Rishikesh Lotke

Leading the development of a high-throughput serological microarray platform for detection of zoonotic pathogens within the EU-funded ZOE research consortium. Developed a pan-genotypic HDV antigen (LHDAg) using comparative sequence analysis to support the development of relevant point-of-care (POC) diagnostic platforms and applications.

Led and contributed to 13 research projects in innate antiviral immunity on host restriction factors and viral infection (HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2, HERVs). Designed and executed complex experimental strategies with data analysis across virology, molecular biology, genomics, and cell systems (BSL-2/3) leading to publications. Established end-to-end transcriptomics analysis workflows and initiated a training & support platform. Supervised & mentored students and junior researchers.

Developed cell-based screening assays (live cell-imaging) to evaluate FDA-approved FGFR signaling inhibitors selectively targeting wound healing and fibrosis in ocular cells. Established primary cell culture workflows and quantitative live-cell imaging pipelines. Generated and analyzed data supporting therapeutic strategy development for post-operative glaucoma. Contributed to research on miRNA-mediated regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in peer-reviewed publication.

Investigated epigenomic mechanisms of viral latency of Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) in neurons by studying histone methylation and association of MeCP2 (using ChIP-Seq) with the viral and host genome. Applied integrative genomics analysis to study host-virus interactions.

Investigated the role of BRD/BET proteins in the association of Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) kLANA and Murine gammaherpesvirus (MHV-68) mLANA with the host chromatin using integrative epigenomics (ChIP-Seq, transcriptomics). Established end-to-end genomics workflows, including experimental design and computational analysis (R, Linux).