Rate My Professor Goedele Maertens

Maertens leads the basic HTLV-1 research group, investigating host-pathogen interactions during the HTLV-1 replication cycle, with a particular emphasis on viral integration into the host genome and its effects on gene expression, cell survival, proliferation, and oncogenesis. Her laboratory employs multidisciplinary approaches including protein-protein interaction studies, biochemistry, structural and computational biology, virology, molecular biology, and microscopy. Notable achievements include demonstrating that FDA-approved antiretrovirals used against HIV-1 effectively block HTLV-1 transmission in tissue culture, highlighting their potential for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HTLV-1. Key publications encompass 'LEDGF/p75 is essential for nuclear and chromosomal targeting of HIV-1 integrase in human cells' (Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2003), 'HIV-1 Integrase Forms Stable Tetramers and Associates with LEDGF/p75' (Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2003), 'Structural basis for the inhibition of HTLV-1 integration inferred from cryoelectron microscopy' (Nature Communications, 2021), and a commentary 'Why not eliminate HTLV-1 while eliminating HIV-1?' (The Lancet, 2024). Her work advances therapeutic strategies against neglected retroviruses.