Tufts University · BiochemistryCoffin Retrovirology Lab
John M Coffin · Medford, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. John M Coffin's lab at Tufts University focuses on studying human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and their potential to inhibit HIV replication. The lab aims to understand how certain HERVs can block viral assembly and explore their evolutionary history. Overall, the research seeks innovative strategies for preventing HIV infections through the activation of these natural viral inhibitors.
HIVhuman endogenous retrovirusesretrovirusesviral inhibitionviral evolution
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the mechanisms of HIV Gag assembly inhibition by the 3q12.3 provirus.
AIM 02Elucidate the evolutionary history of the 3q12.3 provirus.
AIM 03Isolate HIV escape mutants that are resistant to 3q12.3 inhibition.
AIM 04Test the feasibility of activating the 3q12.3 provirus in target cells to prevent HIV replication.
AIM 05Explore the role of HERVs in the prevention of HIV and other retrovirus infections.
Skills the Lab Values
PCRcell cultureCRISPR/Cas technologyconfocal microscopycryoelectron microscopy
Output against the department
Publications454top 10% of dept.42nd of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations34ktop 9% of dept.37th of 402
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.