Nikesh Patel
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Nikesh Patel is a structural virologist whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of viral genome packaging, with a particular emphasis on RNA Packaging Signals (PSs) in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). His work bridges the gap between fundamental RNA biology and antiviral drug discovery, exploring how short, unpaired RNA stem-loops act as critical recognition motifs to ensure faithful and efficient genome encapsidation. Patel’s major contribution is the creation of a high-throughput ligand screening dataset targeting these PSs, a pioneering resource that enables the identification of small molecules capable of disrupting nucleocapsid formation. This work, published in 2022, has already garnered 3 citations, signaling its growing importance in the field. By systematically characterizing the structural and functional roles of these regulatory RNAs, Patel has provided a framework for developing novel antiviral strategies against HBV and other ssRNA viruses that infect bacteria, plants, and humans. His research is particularly notable for its translational potential, offering a path toward therapeutics that target the very earliest stages of viral assembly, a critical step in the viral life cycle.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1