Paul D. Friesen

Paul D. Friesen is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, jointly affiliated with the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Department of Bacteriology. He is based in the Microbial Sciences Building and Bock Laboratories, where he leads a research laboratory focused on molecular virology.

His research expertise lies in the molecular biology of eukaryotic DNA viruses, particularly baculoviruses, with emphasis on gene expression regulation, viral replication mechanisms, and the suppression of programmed cell death (apoptosis). His lab utilizes advanced molecular techniques including gene cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, RNA mapping, recombinant virus construction, and protein analysis.

Dr. Friesen's work has important implications for understanding fundamental eukaryotic gene regulation and viral pathogenesis. His studies on baculoviral anti-apoptotic proteins such as P35 and IAP contribute to broader insights into cell death pathways relevant to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders. Although no specific publications or awards are listed in the provided text, his research program is active and integrated within the Institute for Molecular Virology.

He has trained numerous students and researchers, though no advisees are named. His laboratory serves as a key resource for studying virus-host interactions and developing viral vector systems. Dr. Friesen received his B.A. from the University of Kansas and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, completing his academic training at the institution where he now serves as faculty.