A study out of UMBC, published in Nature Communications, reveals how enteroviruses—including pathogens that cause polio, encephalitis, myocarditis, and the common cold—initiate replication by hijacking host-cell machinery. The research fills a knowledge gap on this critical step and could pave the way for a new class of antiviral drugs that are effective against multiple viruses.

“My lab has been really motivated to understand how RNA viruses produce their proteins inside the cell and multiply their genome to make more virus particles,” says senior author Deepak Koirala, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. Building on his group’s discovery of a crucial cloverleaf structure in the viral RNA, their latest paper, led by first author Naba Krishna Das, Ph.D. ’25, chemistry, has now shown how the cloverleaf recruits proteins to assemble the replication complex. 

Seeing the bigger picture

Enteroviruses carry a small RNA genome that must do double duty: make viral proteins and copy itself to produce new viruses. A key player is a viral protein called 3CD. One half (3C) cuts the complete string of amino acids encoded by the virus’s RNA into individual proteins. The other half (3D) is an RNA polymerase—the enzyme that copies the viral RNA. Human cells don’t have anything like this polymerase, so the virus has to bring its own.

“We previously determined the structure of the RNA alone, and other groups determined the structure of 3C and 3D separately, but now we’ve captured the structure of the RNA and proteins together, so we know how they are interacting,” Koirala explains. “We found that it’s the 3C domain of 3CD that binds to the viral RNA, and then it recruits the other components to assemble the replication complex.”

The same complex also works as an on-off switch: when 3CD is attached, the virus copies its RNA; when it lets go, the RNA can be read to make proteins instead.

The team also settled a debate by showing that two complete 3CD molecules (bringing two RNA polymerases) bind to the RNA independently, rather than forming a single fused pair. Why two are needed is still a mystery, but the picture is now clear.

New antiviral targets

Perhaps most exciting, the seven types of enteroviruses the paper investigated all employed a very similar binding mechanism and RNA cloverleaf structure. The extent of this conservation implies the RNA cloverleaf is very important for replication, and any mutations would likely derail it. That means the RNA and RNA-protein interface is likely to be stable over time across enteroviruses, making it an even more promising drug target—and opening the door to the tantalizing prospect of a “universal” drug targeting all enteroviruses. 

Drugs disrupting 3C and 3D activity are already in development, but “now we have another layer to test,” Koirala says. “What if we target the RNA, or the RNA-protein interface, so that we break the interaction? That is another opportunity. Now that we have high-resolution structures, you can precisely design drug molecules to target them.”

“Viruses are so, so clever. Their entire genome is equivalent to about one mRNA sequence in humans, yet they are so effective,” Koirala says. His latest work demonstrates “why we need to investigate this basic science—so that it can be translated into developing drugs targeting pathogens that cause so many harmful diseases.” 

If you spend part of your day commuting — on the bus, in the car, or walking across campus — why not make that time as productive as possible? Your commute is the perfect opportunity to learn something new, reflect on your goals, and get inspired for your next career move. Check out UMBC Careers Unleashed, the Career Center's podcast. With 840 YouTube video views on average, our episodes are designed to help you explore career paths, learn professional skills, and hear real stories from students, employers, and career experts.

1. Listen and Learn on the Go

Each episode dives into topics that matter to UMBC students — from building your resume and cover letter to learning what recruiters want. You'll hear insights from Career Center staff, academic advisors, and fellow students who have been exactly where you are now. Think of it as your portable career coach!

2. Watch Career Shorts for Quick Tips

Short on time? The UMBC Careers Unleashed Shorts on YouTube feature bite-sized advice on resumes, networking, interviews, and more. In just a minute or two, you can pick up a new strategy to apply right away. Our shorts also get the most reach, capturing 87% of the pod's viewership. 

3. Reflect, Don't Just Listen

As you listen, jot down ideas or moments that resonate with you. Maybe you'll hear about a new field you want to explore or a skill you'd like to develop. The best podcasts don't just inform — they inspire action. Feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our career advisors to discuss what you learned and figure out next steps.

4. Make It a Habit

Set a weekly "career commute" goal. Pick one episode each week, or a few shorts during the month, and reflect on one key takeaway. Then, come up with an action plan on how to use that takeaway to your advantage over the next semester or academic year. Over time, these small moments of learning can make a big difference in your professional growth.

5. Start Listening Today

No matter where your day takes you, you can keep your career goals in motion. Tune in to UMBC Careers Unleashed wherever you get your podcasts and make your commute an impactful one.

Human Context of Science and Technology (HCST) is a UMBC certificate program that provides students with a deeper understanding of the human context of science, technology, engineering, and medicine. In Spring 2026, Eric Brown will teach a new undergraduate special topics class on how AI and robotics will affect our world.

HCST 499/INDS 430:  Robots, AI, & Transhumanists: Exploring the Uncanny Valley
Eric Brown, Spring 2026, TuTh 4:00-5:15pm

Over the next one to two decades, humanity faces the prospect of having to share the planet with completely new and invented beings - robots, artificial intelligences, and humans who have begun to transform themselves into something other. The science and technology seem to be catching up with the heady dreams of sci-fi authors like Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick. Through this course, students will form a community of thinkers and experimenters that will engage with the complexities of living in this space. We will explore through discussion and doing what it is like to develop relationships with artificial intelligences and investigate the incursion of robots (e.g., delivery bots, robotaxis, and eldercare bots) into spaces traditionally reserved for humans. We will ask ourselves at what point, if ever, does the integration of technology into the human body transform that body into something that is beyond human. We will wonder together just how prepared are we to live in a world where sci-fi is no longer fiction?

Last week I made the bold assertion that this week would be the final Provost's Perspective for 2025. Like any well-laid plans, this one was certain to be modified the moment I put it into the world. With that being said, keep your eyes peeled next Friday for the final (I'm serious this time) 2025 edition of this newsletter. 

One of the more rewarding aspects of being the provost is the interaction and feedback that I receive from the UMBC community. Earlier this week I was fortunate to meet with members of the Disability Faculty Working Group to discuss accessibility and disability efforts across the university community. Foad Hamidi (COEIT) had a reading suggestion that, while I have not had the opportunity to explore yet, can provide a framework for examining accessibility issues in a rapidly evolving world. His suggestion – and a text he uses in class – "Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement" asks us to rethink how we perceive disability as nearly everyone will experience disability at some point in our lives. If you get a chance to read it over winter break, I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Check Out Grit-X Videos

If you missed Grit-X (picture TedTalk meets UMBC) earlier this semester, I encourage you to check out your fellow faculty, staff, UMBC alumni, and grad students who presented in October. You can watch the evening from start to finish, or click on a speaker's photo to watch their individual talk. 

Strategic Plan Steering Committee Update

If you missed yesterday's update from the UMBC Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I encourage you to check it out here. 

Thank You for the Feedback

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback this semester. The Provost's Perspective is a work in progress and will continue to evolve to more fully serve you, UMBC's faculty and academic staff. If there is a subject or topic that you feel should be covered (or have general feedback on the content), drop me a note here. Your feedback and input matters! 

Upcoming Events

The AI-Assisted Educator: A Course Design Sprint

Walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies

Friday, Jan. 16, 9 am to noon, ILSB 116A

Need a nudge to refresh your spring course(s)? Curious about how Generative AI tools might help spark new ideas in the classroom? In this hands-on, in-person workshop, we'll revisit basic course design principles while exploring practical ways to use Gen AI to sharpen your own course objectives, brainstorm assessments, reexamine learning materials/activities, and streamline class prep — while grounding in your own academic voice and creativity. Bring your laptop and course materials to walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies for the spring semester. Join John Schumacher (USM GenAI Pedagogy Fellow & SAPH) and Kerrie Kephart (FDC) for this session. Space is limited.

Sponsored by the Faculty Development Center. 

Register: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/calt/events/148774

Winter Commencement

With winter Commencement less than a week away, we would love to have you join us for the celebrations at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.

Graduate School Ceremony | Wednesday, December 17, at 10 a.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony | Thursday, December 18, at 10 a.m.

For those marching or volunteering, note that arrival time is 8 a.m. for doors opening at 9 a.m.

For more information and updates, please visit the Commencement website or email commencement@umbc.edu.

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

Sophie Comer-Warner, Assistant Professor, Geography and Environmental Systems

Areas of Research/Interest: Coastal Science/Aquatic Biogeochemistry

Fun Fact About Sophie: I'm from Stoke-on-Trent, the pottery capital of the UK. It's also where the first Ballon d'Or winner was from!

Miller Shores Wright, Assistant Professor, History

Areas of Research/Interest: Dr. Wright is an historian of Vast Early America whose scholarship focuses on the Native slave trades in Southeastern North America and Brazil. His recent publications include research on Native influences on the founding of the Carolina colony and Indigenous Slavery in the Atlantic. His previous works focused on Creek gendered property relations and racialized slavery in Creek matrilineages. His first book manuscript entitled, "All These Horrid Wicked Things: Native Slaving and the Atlantic Slave Trade in Brazil and Carolina, 1580–1720," is contracted for publication in 2027.

Fun Fact About Miller: I have a distinct fondness for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Lord of the Rings. I frequently encourage students to engage me through conversations about sports, cooking, and music.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Early 2026)

Thank you to all of the new staff members that have reached out about being highlighted. We will be starting the spotlights in the first 2026 edition. If you haven't done so already and you are a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year, email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen