DrLaura Martin Sancho

CURRENT
The lab main research interest is to understand virus-host interactions that dictate the outcome of viral infection, with a focus on Dengue, Zika and West Nile virus. We are very interested in studying antiviral proteins that constitute the first barrier to viral infection, and conversely how viruses antagonise these antiviral proteins to multiply and survive. By defining these virus-host conflicts, we can identify critical determinants of pathogenesis and barriers for interspecies transmission.

To study these complex interactions, the lab has adopted a systems biology approach, where we combine OMIC measurements - including genome-wide functional genetic screens, proteomics and transcriptomics -, with computational biology and molecular virology approaches.


PAST
Over my career, I have been very interested in how viruses usurp the host cells machinery for their replication and survival. Initially, I completed my PhD at the Max Plank Institute for Infection Biology, Germany under the mentorship of Prof. Thomas F. Meyer. Supported by the Marie Curie EIMID ITN PhD Fellowship, my PhD thesis uncovered host factors that underlie the host tropism of H5N1 influenza A viruses and thus their ability to infect human cells. It was this work studying the tropism of zoonotic viruses that stimulated my curiosity to study how the genetic make-up of cells determines their potential to support replication of zoonotic viruses. I then joined the laboratory of Prof. Sumit K. Chanda now at the Scripps Research Institute, USA, where I leveraged systems biology to define mechanisms of viral restriction against influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 at a global scale. Mechanistically, I was able to uncover the mechanism utilized by influenza A virus to evade degradation by autophagy and the evasion of host restriction factor BST2 by SARS-CoV-2 Orf7a.

JOIN THE MARTIN-SANCHO LAB!
We are always looking for highly motivated students, postdocs and visitors to join the Martin-Sancho lab. In return we offer close mentorship, a supportive and dynamic environment and lots and lots of cool science and lab outings. If you are interested, please send me an email including your CV and scientific motivations to: laura.martin-sancho@imperial.ac.uk

ADDITIONAL FUNDING SOURCES
Prospective students and postdocs are always welcome to arrange their own funding to join the lab. Please email me in advance to discuss suitable projects and the application process. Always happy to help drafting projects and bouncing ideas! Some suggested funding sources are listed below:

PhD studentship: The competitive Imperial College President's Scholarships usually opens for applications every November, January and March. You can also use Imperial's search tool to help you find a scholarship.

Postdoc and Research Fellowships: As a former Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, I cannot recommend enough getting one of this fellowships, and so I strongly suggest applying for the Postdoctoral Fellowships. Wellcome Trust offers Early Career Fellowships and EMBO also has a Postdoc program. All great and competitive! Other opportunities can be found at Imperial's search tool.