Dr. Smita S Patel's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding how specific enzymes interact with DNA and RNA during important biological processes like transcription, replication, and viral infection response. Using advanced techniques in biochemistry and structural biology, the lab investigates how helicases and polymerases work to recognize viral signals and regulate mitochondrial DNA function. The lab’s research aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that could lead to new therapies for viral infections and mitochondrial diseases.