Joseph M. Luna

Joseph M. Luna, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. He leads the Luna Lab, which focuses on RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in viral infections and cellular stress responses. His work uses positive-sense RNA viruses as models to study viral replication, innate immunity, and host-pathogen interactions.

• Member of the Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics
• Member of the Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics Program at Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Director of the Advanced RNA Profiling Core
• PhD from The Rockefeller University (2015)
• Postdoctoral training at The Rockefeller University

Research interests include:
- Subcellular RBP:RNA interaction mapping using novel spatial CLIP techniques
- Dynamics of RBPs during viral infections (HCV/SARS-CoV-2)
- RBP networks in innate immunity
- Development of advanced RNA-profiling methods

Recent work emphasizes:
- Spatial resolution of RNA interactions in viral replication organelles
- CRISPR-based screening for host factors in coronavirus infections
- Systems-level modeling of RBP activities

Key achievements include:
- Co-developed SARS-CoV-2 replicon systems enabling antiviral research
- Identified miR-122 sequestration mechanisms in hepatitis C infection
- Trained students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research

Labs/Teams:
- Advanced RNA Profiling Core facility director
- Collaborations with virology, immunology, and systems biology groups