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Dr. Bryan Mounce working in Lab

Loyola University Chicago Research Uncovers New Antiviral Targets

Loyola University Chicago Professor Dr. Bryan Mounce and his team have published groundbreaking research in virology and cellular metabolism. The study, published in Public Library of Science (PLOS), a non-profit organization that publishes peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, explores how small molecules called polyamines regulate critical cellular processes, including lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function, to facilitate viral replication.

This research, conducted in collaboration with former students of Loyola’s Graduate Biomedical Sciences programs, highlights the lasting impact of mentorship and rigorous scientific training offered at Loyola. Co-researchers Yazmin Cruz-Pulido PhD, Natalie LoMascolo, Delaina May PhD, and Jomana Hatahet PhD, all previous Loyola students—played a significant role in the study.  

The Science: How Viruses Exploit Our Cells

Polyamines are molecules found abundantly within cells that are considered key players in maintaining cellular processes like translation and metabolism. The research revealed that viruses hijack polyamines to facilitate replication. Without polyamines, cells experience a shift in energy production, moving from efficient aerobic respiration to glycolysis, caused by mitochondrial disfunction.

Cells depleted of polyamines also accumulate lipids due to impaired mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. By blocking polyamine production or targeting lipid metabolism, the researchers demonstrated a significant reduction in viral replication, suggesting promising avenues for antiviral drug development.

Key Findings of the Study

The study reveals that polyamines, naturally occurring molecules within cells, are essential for maintaining cellular energy production and lipid metabolism. When polyamines are depleted, cells switch from oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria to glycolysis—a process often observed in cancer cells. This shift, a "Warburg-like effect," compromises normal cellular energy balance and results in lipid accumulation.

The team also discovered that viruses exploit these cellular changes for replication, relying heavily on polyamines and lipids to complete their life cycles. Importantly, the research demonstrates that inhibitors targeting lipid metabolism or polyamines significantly reduce viral replication, offering potential therapeutic strategies.

Implications for Biomedical Sciences and Antiviral Therapies

The findings have far-reaching implications for both fundamental biology and medical innovation. While polyamines are critical for cellular function, their depletion doesn’t compromise cell survival, making them an attractive target for antiviral drugs. The study also reinforces the importance of lipid metabolism in viral replication, paving the way for therapies that could inhibit a wide range of viruses, including coronaviruses and Ebola.

The findings open new avenues for antiviral drug development by identifying polyamines and lipid metabolism as promising targets. These discoveries deepen our understanding of how viruses manipulate host cells and provide a foundation for developing treatments that could disrupt these processes, potentially offering broad-spectrum antiviral solutions.

"Our work underscores the importance of metabolism in cellular health, as well as for virus replication. We aim to block virus infection while maintaining cell health, and our study shows one way to do just that." Dr. Bryan Mounce

A Legacy of Mentorship and Collaboration

The involvement of former Loyola students as co-researchers underscores the collaborative and supportive environment fostered within Loyola’s Graduate Biomedical Sciences programs. These programs provide students with opportunities to engage in high-impact research alongside faculty mentors, preparing them for successful careers in science and medicine.

Samantha Stacey working in Dr. Mounce Lab
“The Mounce Lab in the Microbiology and Immunology Department, part of Loyola’s IPBS, has become my home, and this project has allowed me to work on exciting science and collaborate with talented colleagues. This project in particular laid the foundation for my scientific career.” Natalie LoMascolo

Join Loyola Chicago’s Graduate Biomedical Sciences

At Loyola University Chicago, our Graduate Biomedical Sciences programs empower students to tackle pressing scientific challenges. From studying fundamental cellular processes to pioneering new therapeutic approaches, students work at the forefront of biomedical research. To learn more about how you can be part of this transformative experience, visit our program website and apply today.

This research exemplifies Loyola’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. It highlights the profound impact of its alumni, demonstrating the university’s role as a leader in fostering innovation and collaboration in biomedical sciences.

Loyola University Chicago Professor Dr. Bryan Mounce and his team have published groundbreaking research in virology and cellular metabolism. The study, published in Public Library of Science (PLOS), a non-profit organization that publishes peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, explores how small molecules called polyamines regulate critical cellular processes, including lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function, to facilitate viral replication.

This research, conducted in collaboration with former students of Loyola’s Graduate Biomedical Sciences programs, highlights the lasting impact of mentorship and rigorous scientific training offered at Loyola. Co-researchers Yazmin Cruz-Pulido PhD, Natalie LoMascolo, Delaina May PhD, and Jomana Hatahet PhD, all previous Loyola students—played a significant role in the study.  

The Science: How Viruses Exploit Our Cells

Polyamines are molecules found abundantly within cells that are considered key players in maintaining cellular processes like translation and metabolism. The research revealed that viruses hijack polyamines to facilitate replication. Without polyamines, cells experience a shift in energy production, moving from efficient aerobic respiration to glycolysis, caused by mitochondrial disfunction.

Cells depleted of polyamines also accumulate lipids due to impaired mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. By blocking polyamine production or targeting lipid metabolism, the researchers demonstrated a significant reduction in viral replication, suggesting promising avenues for antiviral drug development.

Key Findings of the Study

The study reveals that polyamines, naturally occurring molecules within cells, are essential for maintaining cellular energy production and lipid metabolism. When polyamines are depleted, cells switch from oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria to glycolysis—a process often observed in cancer cells. This shift, a "Warburg-like effect," compromises normal cellular energy balance and results in lipid accumulation.

The team also discovered that viruses exploit these cellular changes for replication, relying heavily on polyamines and lipids to complete their life cycles. Importantly, the research demonstrates that inhibitors targeting lipid metabolism or polyamines significantly reduce viral replication, offering potential therapeutic strategies.

Implications for Biomedical Sciences and Antiviral Therapies

The findings have far-reaching implications for both fundamental biology and medical innovation. While polyamines are critical for cellular function, their depletion doesn’t compromise cell survival, making them an attractive target for antiviral drugs. The study also reinforces the importance of lipid metabolism in viral replication, paving the way for therapies that could inhibit a wide range of viruses, including coronaviruses and Ebola.

The findings open new avenues for antiviral drug development by identifying polyamines and lipid metabolism as promising targets. These discoveries deepen our understanding of how viruses manipulate host cells and provide a foundation for developing treatments that could disrupt these processes, potentially offering broad-spectrum antiviral solutions.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Collaboration

The involvement of former Loyola students as co-researchers underscores the collaborative and supportive environment fostered within Loyola’s Graduate Biomedical Sciences programs. These programs provide students with opportunities to engage in high-impact research alongside faculty mentors, preparing them for successful careers in science and medicine.

Join Loyola Chicago’s Graduate Biomedical Sciences

At Loyola University Chicago, our Graduate Biomedical Sciences programs empower students to tackle pressing scientific challenges. From studying fundamental cellular processes to pioneering new therapeutic approaches, students work at the forefront of biomedical research. To learn more about how you can be part of this transformative experience, visit our program website and apply today.

This research exemplifies Loyola’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. It highlights the profound impact of its alumni, demonstrating the university’s role as a leader in fostering innovation and collaboration in biomedical sciences.