Christopher M. Robinson, PhD
Assistant Professor of Microbiology & Immunology
Assistant Professor of Medicine
- Phone
- (317) 274-7822
- Address
-
MS 264, 635 Barnhill Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202 - PubMed:
-
Bio
Dr. Robinson received a B.S. from the University of Oklahoma in 2003 and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2011. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 2017. He joined Indiana University in 2017 as an Assistant Professor with a primary appointment in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology along with a secondary appointment in the Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology.
Key Publications
Robinson CM, Wang Y, Pfeiffer JK. Sex-dependent replication of an enteric virus. J. Virol. 2017 Mar 13;91(7). pii; e02101-16
Robinson CM*, Jesudhasan PR*, Pfeiffer JK. Bacterial lipopolysacchride binding enhances virion stability and promotes environmental fitness of an enteric virus. Cell Host Microbe. 2014. 15:36-46. [*co-first author]
| Year | Degree | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | PhD | University of Oklahoma |
| 2003 | BS | University of Oklahoma |
Enteric viruses initiate infection in the diverse environment of the gastrointestinal tract, yet the impact of this environment on intestinal infection is unclear. Research in the Robinson lab focuses on the complex methods in which enteric viruses traverse the intestinal environment to initiate infection. Specifically, we are interested in identifying intestinal factors that influence viral replication. By characterizing intestinal factors that alter enteric viral virulence, potential therapeutic targets may be identified.
The Robinson lab currently focuses on two major areas of research:
1. Using coxsackievirus, a model enteric virus, we study how biological sex can influence viral replication in the intestine. Using an oral-inoculated mouse model, we found that, similar to humans, male mice succumb to coxsackievirus-induced disease, whereas females do not. Additionally, coxsackievirus replication in the intestine of male mice is enhanced and may be regulated by sex hormones. Our current studies are focused on using in vitro and in vivo approaches to determine the mechanism behind sex-dependent replication and pathogenesis of coxsackievirus.
2. The intestine is home to a large community of bacteria that are vital for human health. Emerging data suggest that intestinal bacteria enhance replication and pathogenesis of enteric viruses, yet the mechanism of these interactions remain unclear. The Robinson lab is interested in understanding the mechanisms and consequences of the interactions between intestinal bacteria and enteric viruses using coxsackievirus and other picornaviruses as a model.
Desc: Trustee Teaching Award
Scope: University
Date: 2023-05-01
Desc: Loan Repayment Program Award
Scope: National
Date: 2013-07-01
Desc: Biomedical Research Fellowship
Scope: National
Date: 2012-02-01