The research of Dr. Rushika Perera’s laboratory in the Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (CVID), is focused on understanding the impact of cellular metabolism on the replication of mosquito- and tick-borne flaviviruses within their vertebrate hosts and Arthropod vectors. Specifically, we use a systems biology approach including metabolomics and proteomics combined with molecular virology, cell biology, biochemistry and structural biology to study flavivirus-host interactions. Similar to other positive strand RNA viruses, flaviviruses cause significant perturbations to the host metabolome to facilitate the formation of replication factories within specialized membrane structures. These structures are required for viral genome replication, assembly and egress. The host metabolome also fulfills the energy requirements for virus replication. Therefore, it is a key avenue to understand the dynamics of virus-host interactions and provides a novel avenue to identify targets for antiviral intervention. The goal of her research is to identify control points in cellular metabolic pathways that are required for virus replication, and evaluate these control points as novel targets for antiviral intervention.
The Perera Lab supports ‘Diversity’, practices ‘Equity & Inclusion’, ensures ‘Social Justice’. The Perera Lab abides by Colorado State University’s Principles of Community.
research project
COVID-19: Developing platforms to test antivirals against SARS-CoV-2
The Perera lab (in collaboration with the Geiss Laboratory and the CSU OVPR) has mobilized testing of FDA-approved antiviral drugs that can be repurposed and rapidly driven into clinical trials, as well as new compounds that can be evaluated for efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. We are currently working with collaborators and partners from around the world to screen their drug and compound inventories.
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research project
Metabolite biomarkers of severe disease, resolution and therapeutic efficacy
We utilize Systems Biology based-metabolomics to develop small molecule biosignatures of severe disease. These biosignatures can be utilized for early detection and triaging of patients, to better assist clinical management of those at greater risk. They are also powerful indicators of disease resolution, recurrence and/or therapeutic efficacy.
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research project
Metabolic basis of mosquito-endosymbiont-virus interactions
These studies will identify biochemical pathways that change in the mosquito following infection with arboviruses, and how the endosymbiont Wolbachia used to control virus transmission in Aedes aegypti may be metabolically competing with the virus. Identifying these pathways that are integral to mosquito biology, provide a novel avenue to interfere with vector transmission of the virus.
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research project
Exploiting Vulnerabilities in Mosquito Metabolism for Prevention of Human Arboviral Transmissions
Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever viruses are spread by the same mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. The Perera lab studies specific metabolic processes in mosquitos required for successful viral replication. These studies will identify metabolic “choke-points” that can be exploited to develop interventions and thus block mosquito-human viral transmission.
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research project
Metabolic basis of insecticide resistance
We are investigating the metabolic basis of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti. We have developed capability to trace the metabolites of insecticides and measure the enzymatic activities responsible for insecticide break down and development of resistance. These studies will assist in driving improvements in insecticide design and informed use of insecticides.
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Publications
Perturbed pediatric circulating metabolome in mild and severe dengue disease.
Soma PS, Gullberg RC, Graham B, Islam MN, Kuan G, Balmaseda A, Blair CD, Beaty BJ, Belisle JT, Harris E, Perera R. J Virol. 2025 Oct 29:e0157225. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01572-25. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41159750.
Reverse genetics rescue of sylvatic dengue viruses.
Gendler P, Barbachano-Guerrero A, Chappell SD, Ratnayake OC, Pinto SM, Perera R, Sawyer SL. J Virol. 2025 Jun 4:e0045025. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00450-25. Online ahead of print. PMID: 40464564
Reverse genetics rescue of sylvatic dengue viruses.
Gendler P, Barbachano-Guerrero A, Chappell SD, Ratnayake OC, Pinto SM, Perera R, Sawyer SL.J Virol. 2025 Jul 22;99(7):e0045025. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00450-25. Epub 2025 Jun 4.PMID: 40464564 Free PMC article.
The 24th Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association.
Dirks KR, Pinto SM, Pham KN, Byrne-Haber TJ, Thompson RW, Ratnayake OC, Rovnak J, Perera R.Viruses. 2025 Feb 14;17(2):262. doi: 10.3390/v17020262.PMID: 40007017 Free PMC article.
The 23rd Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association.
Brehm AL, Dunham TJ, Pinto SM, Williams KA, Coffin KL, Ring ME, Ratnayake OC, Rovnak J, Perera R.Viruses. 2024 Apr 10;16(4):586. doi: 10.3390/v16040586.PMID: 38675927 Free PMC article.
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People
Rushika Perera, Ph.D.
Lab Principal Investigator [PI]
Professor
Director, Antiviral Testing Laboratory
Co-Director, Center for Metabolism of Infectious Diseases
contact information
Lab: Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases room 130
Office: Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases room 172
(970) 491-8611
[email protected]
