Tom Hobman

Tom Hobman is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta. His research focuses on RNA virus-host interactions and the regulation of RNA interference pathways in diseases such as breast cancer. He leads an active laboratory investigating viruses including SARS-CoV-2, Zika, HIV, and West Nile virus, with a focus on identifying host pathways for broad-spectrum antiviral therapies.

Research Interests:

• RNA virus-host interactions, particularly with SARS-CoV-2, Zika, Dengue, and HIV
• Host cell pathways exploited by multiple RNA viruses
• Development of broad-spectrum antivirals targeting host factors
• Regulation of Argonaute proteins and miRNA pathways in breast cancer
• Peroxisome biology in viral infection and immune signaling
• Interferon response modulation by viral proteins

The recent publications show a strong trend in virology and host-pathogen interactions, particularly focusing on SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of immune evasion, Zika virus persistence in fetal and reproductive tissues, and the role of cellular organelles like peroxisomes in antiviral signaling. The work spans molecular virology, cell biology, and therapeutic development, with increasing emphasis on host-directed antiviral strategies.

Scientific Awards:

• Canada Research Chair in RNA Viruses and Host Interactions (2010–2018)
• Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2021)

Grants and Advising: Dr. Hobman’s research is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Tonix Pharmaceuticals. He actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, including Alberto Felix-Lopez, Mohamed Elaish, and Joaquín López-Orozco, fostering a collaborative environment in virology and molecular cell biology.

Laboratory and Team: The Hobman Lab includes postdoctoral fellows, research associates, graduate students, and technicians working on various aspects of viral pathogenesis and RNA biology. Key members include Dr. Mohamed Elaish, Dr. Joaquín López-Orozco, Dr. Zaikun Xu, and technicians Nawell Fayad, Valeria Mancinelli, and Eileen Reklow. The lab employs super-resolution imaging, molecular virology, and functional genomics to study viral mechanisms.