
Overview
Background
Dr Slonchak obtained PhD in molecular biology in 2010. During PhD he was investigating cell-specific mechanisms responsible for transcriptional regulation of the human gene encoding for phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase P1 in normal and cancer cells. When working on this project he acquired an interest in the role of noncoding RNAs in regulation of gene expression, which he further developed by joining the RNA virology lab at University of Queensland to study the role of noncoding RNAs in flavivirus-host interactions under supervision of Prof. Alexander Khromykh.
His current research into the role of noncoding RNAs in flavivirus infection involves a combination of molecular, biochemical and computational techniques. His research includes studying the role of host miRNAs in response to flavivirus infection, identifying the functions of virus-derived long noncoding RNA (subgenomic flaviviral RNA, sfRNA) in viral replication and inhibition of the host immune pathways and determining the mechanisms of sfRNA biogenesis in insect-specific flaviviruses. In his research Dr Slonchak make an extensive use of high-throughput technologies such as RNA-seq followed by reconstruction of gene interaction networks and computational modeling of signaling pathways.
Availability
- Dr Andrii Slonchak is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Institution to be confirmed
Research interests
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Functions of subgeneric flaiviral RNA
All flviviruses produce abundant noncoding RNA known as subgeneric flaviviral RNA. Alexander Khromykh's group was the first to discover that flaviviruses protect their 3’UTR from degradation by the cellular exoribonuclease-1 (Xrn1) by encoding Xrn1-resistant RNA structure, which results in Xrn1 stalling and accumulation of abundant viral ncRNA termed sfRNA. It was demonstrated that sfRNA modulates the fundamental cellular processes of RNA decay and antiviral response that contribute to viral pathogenicity. In my research I work to advance our knowledge on thi flaviviral ncRNAs by identifying host pathways affected by sfRNA, determining interacting partners for sfRNA in vitro and in vivo and the role of theses interactions in modulation of host response to WNV and other flaviviruses.
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Systems biology of flavivirus infection
The technological advances made in recent years allows studying virus-host interactions not only at the level of individual genes or pathways, but also at the systems level. I have a strong interest in using high-throughput transcriptomics and proteomics in combination with advanced bioinformatics analysis and computational modelling of genetic interactions to understand global changes in cellular processes associated with flavivirus infection
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Role of miRNAs in flavivirus-host interactions and antiviral response
miRNAs are small (20-25 nts) RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3’ UTRs of mRNAs and inhibiting their translation. The role of miRNAs in influencing infection with various viruses has been well documented including studies with flaviviruses. In my research i intend to identify cellular processes regulated by miRNAs in flavivirus-infected cells and determine the role this regulation plays in controlling flavivirus infection. These issues are of fundamental importance; their elucidation will significantly advance our understanding of miRNA-regulated processes involved in response to flavivirus infection and illuminate new avenues for the design of vaccines and antiviral therapies.
Works
Search Professor Andrii Slonchak’s works on UQ eSpace
Featured
2024
Journal Article
Choroid plexus defects in Down syndrome brain organoids enhance neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2
Shaker, Mohammed R., Slonchak, Andrii, Al-Mhanawi, Bahaa, Morrison, Sean D., Sng, Julian D.J., Cooper-White, Justin, Khromykh, Alexander A. and Wolvetang, Ernst J. (2024). Choroid plexus defects in Down syndrome brain organoids enhance neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2. Science Advances, 10 (23) eadj4735, 1-23. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4735
Featured
2022
Journal Article
Zika virus noncoding RNA cooperates with the viral protein NS5 to inhibit STAT1 phosphorylation and facilitate viral pathogenesis
Slonchak, Andrii, Wang, Xiaohui, Aguado, Julio, Sng, Julian D. J., Chaggar, Harman, Freney, Morgan E., Yan, Kexin, Torres, Francisco J., Amarilla, Alberto A., Balea, Rickyle, Setoh, Yin Xiang, Peng, Nias, Watterson, Daniel, Wolvetang, Ernst, Suhrbier, Andreas and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2022). Zika virus noncoding RNA cooperates with the viral protein NS5 to inhibit STAT1 phosphorylation and facilitate viral pathogenesis. Science Advances, 8 (48) eadd8095, eadd8095. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.add8095
Featured
2022
Journal Article
Structural analysis of 3’UTRs in insect flaviviruses reveals novel determinants of sfRNA biogenesis and provides new insights into flavivirus evolution
Slonchak, Andrii, Parry, Rhys, Pullinger, Brody, Sng, Julian D. J., Wang, Xiaohui, Buck, Teresa F., Torres, Francisco J., Harrison, Jessica J., Colmant, Agathe M. G., Hobson-Peters, Jody, Hall, Roy A., Tuplin, Andrew and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2022). Structural analysis of 3’UTRs in insect flaviviruses reveals novel determinants of sfRNA biogenesis and provides new insights into flavivirus evolution. Nature Communications, 13 (1) 1279, 1-16. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-28977-3
Featured
2020
Journal Article
Zika virus noncoding RNA suppresses apoptosis and is required for virus transmission by mosquitoes
Slonchak, Andrii, Hugo, Leon E., Freney, Morgan E., Hall-Mendelin, Sonja, Amarilla, Alberto A., Torres, Francisco J., Setoh, Yin Xiang, Peng, Nias Y. G., Sng, Julian D. J., Hall, Roy A., van den Hurk, Andrew F., Devine, Gregor J. and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2020). Zika virus noncoding RNA suppresses apoptosis and is required for virus transmission by mosquitoes. Nature Communications, 11 (1) 2205, 2205. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-16086-y
Featured
2019
Journal Article
Determinants of Zika virus host tropism uncovered by deep mutational scanning
Setoh, Yin Xiang, Amarilla, Alberto A., Peng, Nias Y. G., Griffiths, Rebecca E., Carrera, Julio, Freney, Morgan E., Nakayama, Eri, Ogawa, Shinya, Watterson, Daniel, Modhiran, Naphak, Nanyonga, Faith Elizabeth, Torres, Francisco J., Slonchak, Andrii, Periasamy, Parthiban, Prow, Natalie A., Tang, Bing, Harrison, Jessica, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Cuddihy, Thom, Cooper-White, Justin, Hall, Roy A., Young, Paul R., Mackenzie, Jason M., Wolvetang, Ernst, Bloom, Jesse D., Suhrbier, Andreas and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2019). Determinants of Zika virus host tropism uncovered by deep mutational scanning. Nature Microbiology, 4 (5), 876-887. doi: 10.1038/s41564-019-0399-4
2024
Journal Article
The flavivirus Non-Structural Protein 5 (NS5): structure, functions, and targeting for development of vaccines and therapeutics
Goh, Jarvis Z. H., De Hayr, Lachlan, Khromykh, Alexander A. and Slonchak, Andrii (2024). The flavivirus Non-Structural Protein 5 (NS5): structure, functions, and targeting for development of vaccines and therapeutics. Vaccines, 12 (8) 865, 865. doi: 10.3390/vaccines12080865
2024
Journal Article
Xinyang flavivirus, from Haemaphysalis flava ticks in Henan Province, China, defines a basal, likely tick-only Orthoflavivirus clade
Wang, Lan-Lan, Cheng, Qia, Newton, Natalee D., Wolfinger, Michael T., Morgan, Mahali S., Slonchak, Andrii, Khromykh, Alexander A., Cheng, Tian-Yin and Parry, Rhys H. (2024). Xinyang flavivirus, from Haemaphysalis flava ticks in Henan Province, China, defines a basal, likely tick-only Orthoflavivirus clade. Journal of General Virology, 105 (5) 001991. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.001991
2023
Journal Article
A novel tamanavirus (Flaviviridae) of the European common frog (Rana temporaria) from the UK
Parry, Rhys H., Slonchak, Andrii, Campbell, Lewis J., Newton, Natalee D., Debat, Humberto J., Gifford, Robert J. and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2023). A novel tamanavirus (Flaviviridae) of the European common frog (Rana temporaria) from the UK. Journal of General Virology, 104 (12) 001927, 1-12. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.001927
2023
Journal Article
Choroid plexus defects in Down syndrome brain organoids enhance neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2
Shaker, Mohammed R., Slonchak, Andrii, Al-mhanawi, Bahaa, Morrison, Sean D., Sng, Julian D. J., Cooper-White, Justin, Khromykh, Alexander A. and Wolvetang, Ernst J. (2023). Choroid plexus defects in Down syndrome brain organoids enhance neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2. bioRxiv, 10 (23) eadj4735, eadj4735. doi: 10.1101/2023.06.12.544552
2023
Journal Article
Noncoding RNA of Zika virus affects interplay between Wnt-signaling and pro-apoptotic pathways in the developing brain tissue
Slonchak, Andrii, Chaggar, Harman, Aguado, Julio, Wolvetang, Ernst and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2023). Noncoding RNA of Zika virus affects interplay between Wnt-signaling and pro-apoptotic pathways in the developing brain tissue. Viruses, 15 (5) 1062, 1062. doi: 10.3390/v15051062
2023
Journal Article
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”. mBio, 14 (3), e0081523. doi: 10.1128/mbio.00815-23
2023
Journal Article
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”. Journal of Virology, 97 (5), e0045123. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00451-23
2023
Journal Article
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”. mSphere, 8 (3), e0016523. doi: 10.1128/msphere.00165-23
2023
Journal Article
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope-a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope-a Call for Rational Discourse”. Journal of Virology, 97 (5). doi: 10.1128/jvi.00451-23
2022
Journal Article
Reporter flaviviruses as tools to demonstrate homologous and heterologous superinfection exclusion
Torres, Francisco J., Parry, Rhys, Hugo, Leon E., Slonchak, Andrii, Newton, Natalee D., Vet, Laura J., Modhiran, Naphak, Pullinger, Brody, Wang, Xiaohui, Potter, James, Winterford, Clay, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Hall, Roy A. and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2022). Reporter flaviviruses as tools to demonstrate homologous and heterologous superinfection exclusion. Viruses, 14 (7) 1501, 1501. doi: 10.3390/v14071501
2022
Journal Article
The distinguishing NS5-M114V mutation in American Zika virus isolates has negligible impacts on virus replication and transmission potential
Peng, Nias Y. G., Amarilla, Alberto A., Hugo, Leon E., Modhiran, Naphak, Sng, Julian D. J., Slonchak, Andrii, Watterson, Daniel, Setoh, Yin Xiang and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2022). The distinguishing NS5-M114V mutation in American Zika virus isolates has negligible impacts on virus replication and transmission potential. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 16 (5) e0010426, 1-17. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010426
2022
Journal Article
Neural epidermal growth factor-like like protein 2 is expressed in human oligodendroglial cell types
Shaker, Mohammed R., Kahtan, Amna, Prasad, Renuka, Lee, Ju-Hyun, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Leeson, Hannah C., Sun, Woong, Wolvetang, Ernst J. and Slonchak, Andrii (2022). Neural epidermal growth factor-like like protein 2 is expressed in human oligodendroglial cell types. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 10 803061, 803061. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2022.803061
2021
Journal Article
Injection site vaccinology of a recombinant vaccinia-based vector reveals diverse innate immune signatures
Hazlewood, Jessamine E., Dumenil, Troy, Le, Thuy T., Slonchak, Andrii, Kazakoff, Stephen H., Patch, Ann-Marie, Gray, Lesley-Ann, Howley, Paul M., Liu, Liang, Hayball, John D., Yan, Kexin, Rawle, Daniel J., Prow, Natalie A. and Suhrbier, Andreas (2021). Injection site vaccinology of a recombinant vaccinia-based vector reveals diverse innate immune signatures. PLoS Pathogens, 17 (1) e1009215, 1-39. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009215
2020
Journal Article
Sequencing of historical isolates, k‐mer mining and high serological cross‐reactivity with Ross River virus argue against the presence of Getah virus in Australia
Rawle, Daniel J., Nguyen, Wilson, Dumenil, Troy, Parry, Rhys, Warrilow, David, Tang, Bing, Le, Thuy T., Slonchak, Andrii, Khromykh, Alexander A., Lutzky, Viviana P., Yan, Kexin and Suhrbier, Andreas (2020). Sequencing of historical isolates, k‐mer mining and high serological cross‐reactivity with Ross River virus argue against the presence of Getah virus in Australia. Pathogens, 9 (10) 848, 1-17. doi: 10.3390/pathogens9100848
2020
Conference Publication
Zika Virus sfRNA plays an essential role in the infection of insects and mammals
Slonchak, Andrii, Hugo, Leon E., Freney, Morgan, Amarilla, Alberto A., Hall-Mendelin, Sonja, Yan, Kexin, Torres, Francisco, Setoh, Yin Xiang, Peng, Nias, Chaggar, Harman K., Hurk, Andrew Van Den, Wolvetang, Ernst, Suhrbier, Andreas, Devine, Gregor J. and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2020). Zika Virus sfRNA plays an essential role in the infection of insects and mammals. Viruses 2020—Novel Concepts in Virology, Barcelona, Spain, 5–7 February 2020. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2020050112
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Andrii Slonchak is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Noncoding RNAs of insect-specific flaviviruses: biogenesis and functions
This project aims to understand biogenesis and functions of viral noncoding RNA (sfRNA) produced by insect specific flaviviruses (ISFs). Flaviviruses is a large group of positive strand RNA viruses, which includes important human pathogens such as Dengue, Zika and West Nile virus. ISFs is a subgroup of flaviviruses that can only replicate in mosquito host and are not capable of propagation in vertebrates. They have recently attracted significant attention due to their potential use as a backbone for development of the vaccines against pathogenic flaviviruses. Flaviviruses have evolved to subvert host mRNA decay pathway to generate a functional noncoding RNA by incomplete degradation of their genomic RNA. Production of this RNA is highly conserved amongst all members of Flavivirus genus and has been identified as an important determinant of replication for pathogenic flaviviruses. However, the mechanism of action for sfRNA in insects is largely unknown.
In this project we will identify structural determinants of ISF sfRNA biogenesis, elucidate the role of sfRNA in their replication and identify host pathways targeted by sfRNA in mosquitoes. We will also asses if ISF-specific aspects of sfRNA production contribute to restriction of their replication in mammalian host. UQ researches involved in this project have always been at the forefront of flavivirus research with their achievements including discovery of sfRNA biogenesis and functions, characterization of novel insect-specific flaviviruses and testing their applications for vaccine development. By joining this project, the successful candidate will have an excellent opportunity to develop skills in RNA biology, molecular virology and bioinformatics.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Functions of Noncoding Viral RNA in Insect-Specific Flaviviruses
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alexander Khromykh
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Doctor Philosophy
Why certain viruses don't get along in mosquitoes: Dissecting the mechanism of superinfection exclusion
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alexander Khromykh
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Doctor Philosophy
Cooperation between sfRNA and non-structural protein NS5 for flavivirus immune evasion
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Naphak Modhiran, Professor Alexander Khromykh
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Doctor Philosophy
Engineering chimeric viruses as protective and safe vaccines against mosquito-borne viral disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alexander Khromykh, Associate Professor Jody Peters
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Zika virus: Developing and exploiting mouse models for preclinical evaluation of new vaccines
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Andrii Slonchak directly for media enquiries about:
- Bioinformatics
- Dengue
- Noncoding RNA
- RNA biology
- Virology
- West Nile virus
- Zika
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