Dr. Rui (Ray)  Lu  is currently working as a Associate Professor  in the Department of Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University , USA. His research interests includes virus-host interactions mediated by RNA interference (RNAi), a novel gene regulation mechanism mediated by small RNAs. He is serving as an editorial member and reviewer of several international reputed journals. Dr. Rui (Ray)  Lu  is the member of many international affiliations. He has successfully completed his Administrative responsibilities. He has authored of many research articles/books related to virus-host interactions mediated by RNA interference (RNAi), a novel gene regulation mechanism mediated by small RNAs.

Our research interests lie in virus-host interactions mediated by RNA interference (RNAi), a novel gene regulation mechanism mediated by small RNAs. Currently, we are focusing on two major questions in this field: (1) how invading viruses are detected by the RNAi machinery; (2) whether viral pathogenesis is a result of defects in host small RNA biogenesis and function. We conduct our research using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, which is well known for its power in genetics. We use a combination of genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches to address our questions. Findings from our research are expected to improve our understanding on how invading viruses are recognized by innate antiviral mechanisms and how viral infection causes diseases.