Professor Sassan Asgari
Professor

Sassan Asgari

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52043

Background

Insect host-pathogen interactions

In the evolutionary arm race between insects and their pathogens, insects as hosts continuously evolve traits to inhibit pathogen replication, and in turn pathogens evolve mechanisms to evade their hosts’ immune responses. In the Asgari Lab, we are interested in exploring these evolutionary adaptations, in particular in regards to mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue virus. The major areas of research in the lab are:

  1. Exploring pro- and anti-viral factors in mosquitoes using molecular approaches, including next generation sequencing and bioinformatics analyses
  2. Investigating the role of non-coding RNAs (including microRNAs) in insect biology and host-pathogen interactions
  3. Understanding the effect of insect microbiome on replication of viruses

Availability

Professor Sassan Asgari is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, Isfahan University of Technology
  • Masters (Coursework) of Agricultural Studies, University of Adelaide
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Adelaide
  • Graduate Certificate, The University of Queensland

Search Professor Sassan Asgari’s works on UQ eSpace

190 works between 1994 and 2025
All (190) Journal Article (170) Book Chapter (13) Conference Publication (2) Other Outputs (5)

141 - 160 of 190 works

2011

Journal Article

Improving group functioning in solving realistic problems

Asgari, Sassan and Dall'Alba, Gloria (2011). Improving group functioning in solving realistic problems. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 5 (1), 1-14. doi: 10.20429/ijsotl.2011.050108

Improving group functioning in solving realistic problems

2010

Journal Article

Ectopic expression of an endoparasitic wasp venom protein in Drosophila melanogaster affects immune function, larval development and oviposition

Thomas, P., Yamada, R., Johnson, K. N. and Asgari, S. (2010). Ectopic expression of an endoparasitic wasp venom protein in Drosophila melanogaster affects immune function, larval development and oviposition. Insect Molecular Biology, 19 (4), 473-480. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2010.01004.x

Ectopic expression of an endoparasitic wasp venom protein in Drosophila melanogaster affects immune function, larval development and oviposition

2010

Journal Article

An Ascovirus-Encoded RNase III Autoregulates Its Expression and Suppresses RNA Interference-Mediated Gene Silencing

Hussain, Mazher, Abraham, Alexander M. and Asgari, Sassan (2010). An Ascovirus-Encoded RNase III Autoregulates Its Expression and Suppresses RNA Interference-Mediated Gene Silencing. Journal of Virology, 84 (7), 3624-3630. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02362-09

An Ascovirus-Encoded RNase III Autoregulates Its Expression and Suppresses RNA Interference-Mediated Gene Silencing

2010

Journal Article

Effects of an ascovirus (HvAV-3e) on diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, and evidence for virus transmission by a larval parasitoid

Furlong, Michael J. and Asgari, Sassan (2010). Effects of an ascovirus (HvAV-3e) on diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, and evidence for virus transmission by a larval parasitoid. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 103 (2), 89-95. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2009.11.001

Effects of an ascovirus (HvAV-3e) on diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, and evidence for virus transmission by a larval parasitoid

2010

Journal Article

Functional analysis of a cellular microRNA in insect host-ascovirus interaction

Hussain, Mazher and Asgari, Sassan (2010). Functional analysis of a cellular microRNA in insect host-ascovirus interaction. Journal of Virology, 84 (1), 612-620. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01794-09

Functional analysis of a cellular microRNA in insect host-ascovirus interaction

2010

Book Chapter

Role of MicroRNAs as regulators of host-virus interactions

Asgari, Sassan and Sullivan, Christopher S. (2010). Role of MicroRNAs as regulators of host-virus interactions. Insect Virology. (pp. 347-365) edited by Sassan Asgari and Karyn N. Johnson. Norfolk, United Kingdom: Caister Academic Press.

Role of MicroRNAs as regulators of host-virus interactions

2009

Journal Article

A lipase-like gene from Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e) is essential for virus replication and cell cleavage

Smede, M, Hussain, M and Asgari, S (2009). A lipase-like gene from Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e) is essential for virus replication and cell cleavage. Virus Genes, 39 (3), 409-417. doi: 10.1007/s11262-009-0407-5

A lipase-like gene from Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e) is essential for virus replication and cell cleavage

2009

Journal Article

The role of actin filaments in ascovirus replication and pathology

Hussain, M, Garrad, S and Asgari, S (2009). The role of actin filaments in ascovirus replication and pathology. Archives of Virology, 154 (11), 1737-1743. doi: 10.1007/s00705-009-0512-8

The role of actin filaments in ascovirus replication and pathology

2008

Journal Article

Inhibition of apoptosis by Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e): characterization of orf 28 with structural similarity to inhibitor of apoptosis proteins

Hussain, M. and Asgari, S. (2008). Inhibition of apoptosis by Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e): characterization of orf 28 with structural similarity to inhibitor of apoptosis proteins. Apoptosis, 13 (12), 1417-1426. doi: 10.1007/s10495-008-0268-8

Inhibition of apoptosis by Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e): characterization of orf 28 with structural similarity to inhibitor of apoptosis proteins

2008

Journal Article

Effects of Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e) on a novel host, Crocidolomia pavonana (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Smede, M., Furlong, M. J. and Asgari, S. (2008). Effects of Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e) on a novel host, Crocidolomia pavonana (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 99 (3), 281-285. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2008.07.008

Effects of Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e) on a novel host, Crocidolomia pavonana (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

2008

Journal Article

An insect virus-encoded microRNA regulates viral replication

Hussain, Mazhar, Taft, Ryan J. and Asgari, Sassan (2008). An insect virus-encoded microRNA regulates viral replication. Journal of Virology, 82 (18), 9164-9170. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01109-08

An insect virus-encoded microRNA regulates viral replication

2007

Journal Article

Sequence and Organization of the Heliothis Virescens Ascovirus Genome

Asgari, Sassan, Davis, John, Wood, David, Wilson, Peter and McGrath, Annette (2007). Sequence and Organization of the Heliothis Virescens Ascovirus Genome. Journal of General Virology, 88 (4), 1120-1132. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.82651-0

Sequence and Organization of the Heliothis Virescens Ascovirus Genome

2007

Book Chapter

Endoparasitoid venom proteins as modulators of host immunity and development

Asgari, S. (2007). Endoparasitoid venom proteins as modulators of host immunity and development. Recent Advances in the Biochemistry, Toxicity, and Mode of Action of Parasitic Wasp Venoms. (pp. 57-73) edited by Rivers, D. and Yoder, J.. India: Research Signpost.

Endoparasitoid venom proteins as modulators of host immunity and development

2007

Journal Article

A caspase-like gene from Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e) is not involved in apoptosis but is essential for virus replication

Asgari, S. (2007). A caspase-like gene from Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e) is not involved in apoptosis but is essential for virus replication. Virus Research, 128 (1-2), 99-105. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2007.04.020

A caspase-like gene from Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e) is not involved in apoptosis but is essential for virus replication

2006

Journal Article

Replication of Heliothis virescens ascovirus in insect cell lines

Asgari, S. (2006). Replication of Heliothis virescens ascovirus in insect cell lines. Archives of Virology, 151 (9), 1689-1699. doi: 10.1007/s00705-006-0762-7

Replication of Heliothis virescens ascovirus in insect cell lines

2006

Journal Article

Evolutionary origin of Venturia canescens virus-like particles

Reineke, Annette, Asgari, Sassan and Schmidt, Otto (2006). Evolutionary origin of Venturia canescens virus-like particles. Archives of Insect Biochemistry And Physiology, 61 (3), 123-133. doi: 10.1002/arch.20113

Evolutionary origin of Venturia canescens virus-like particles

2006

Journal Article

Recognition and inactivation of LPS by lipophorin particles

Ma, Gang, Hay, Douglas, Li, Dongmei, Asgari, Sassan and Schmidt, Otto (2006). Recognition and inactivation of LPS by lipophorin particles. Developmental And Comparative Immunology, 30 (7), 619-626. doi: 10.1016/j.dci.2005.09.003

Recognition and inactivation of LPS by lipophorin particles

2006

Journal Article

Venom proteins from polydnavirus-producing endoparasitoids: Their role in host-parasite interactions

Asgari, Sassan (2006). Venom proteins from polydnavirus-producing endoparasitoids: Their role in host-parasite interactions. Archives of Insect Biochemistry And Physiology, 61 (3), 146-156. doi: 10.1002/arch.20109

Venom proteins from polydnavirus-producing endoparasitoids: Their role in host-parasite interactions

2006

Journal Article

A calreticulin-like protein from endoparasitoid venom fluid is involved in host hemocyte inactivation

Zhang, Guangmei, Schmidt, Otto and Asgari, Sassan (2006). A calreticulin-like protein from endoparasitoid venom fluid is involved in host hemocyte inactivation. Developmental And Comparative Immunology, 30 (9), 756-764. doi: 10.1016/j.dci.2005.11.001

A calreticulin-like protein from endoparasitoid venom fluid is involved in host hemocyte inactivation

2005

Journal Article

Are insect immune suppressors driving cellular uptake reactions?

Schmidt, O., Roberts, H. L. S., Glatz, R. V. and Asgari, S. (2005). Are insect immune suppressors driving cellular uptake reactions?. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, 60 (4), 153-158. doi: 10.1002/arch.20111

Are insect immune suppressors driving cellular uptake reactions?

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2024
    Viral and host RNA methylation in mosquitoes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Exploring the effect of human blood microRNAs on mosquito biology
    United States National Institutes of Health
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    A novel approach in understanding regulation of development in mosquitoes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Advanced imaging with wide spectrum molecular, quantitative and morphological applications in biological research
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Integrative blood coagulation research core facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    In vitro production of Baculovirus
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Beyond genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes: high throughput analysis of gene and protein expression and function
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Cross-kingdom communications via small non-coding RNAs
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Manipulation of regulatory microRNAs to supress insecticide resistance in the diamondback moth
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Wolbachia and West Nile virus in mosquitoes: friends or foes?
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012
    High Throughput Genotyping using Paralleled and Miniaturized DNA amplification.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Role of flavivirus-encoded small regulatory RNAs in virus-mosquito vector interactions
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Targeting insects using novel inhibitors of development and physiology
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Cell-free immune reactions and suppression
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Regulatory cellular microRNAs and their role in insect anti-viral responses
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Tooling-up non-model organisms in the post-genomic era: equipment for the analysis of molecular and cellular processes in animals of evolutionary and commercial interest
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Identification of immune-suppressors of Diamond-back Moth (HAL Grant administered by SARDI)
    South Australian Research and Development Institute
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Cell-free immune reactions and suppression (ARC Discovery grant administered by the University of Adelaide)
    University of Adelaide
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Building Capacity in Quantitative Genomics
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Investigating the potential of an ascovirus for biological control of Diamondback Moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Molecular Mechanism(s) Of Inhibition of Melanization by an Insect Parasitoid Venom Protein
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Isolation And Characterization of Venom Proteins From An Endoparasitoid Wasp
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Sassan Asgari is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Role of miRNA regulation in metamorphosis and fecundity of Aedes aegypti

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe, Dr Mazhar Hussain, Dr Kayvan Etebari

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating molecular interactions of mosquito-Wolbachia-virus interactions

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating molecular interactions of mosquito-Wolbachia-virus interactions

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating molecular interactions of mosquito-Wolbachia-virus interactions

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating molecular interactions of mosquito-Wolbachia-virus interactions

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Molecular ecology and Wolbachia bacterium status of the Australian mosquito Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse)

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring entomopathogenic viruses for biological control of insect pests

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong, Dr Kayvan Etebari

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The development and potential for a malaria resistant Anopheles farauti

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Dissecting insect-host interactions within the Drosophila model

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Karyn Johnson

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Molecular ecology and Wolbachia bacterium status of the Australian mosquito Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse)

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring the development of a malaria refractory Anopheles farauti

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring entomopathogenic viruses for biological control of insect pests

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong, Dr Kayvan Etebari

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Sassan Asgari directly for media enquiries about:

  • Biology - insects
  • Entomology
  • Host-parasitoid immune interactions
  • Insect immunity
  • Insect molecular biology
  • Insect parasites
  • Insect viruses
  • Insects
  • MicroRNA
  • Viruses - insect

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