Dr. Canterberry joined the biology faculty in August,
2008. A native of Nacogdoches County, Dr. Canterberry earned her
B.S. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in 2001. Following
completion of her doctoral research at Texas A&M University in
the Canine Genetics Research Laboratory, Dr. Canterberry spent the
next 2 years as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist for the Reproductive
Sciences Laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas
A&M University.
Dr. Canterberry’s research involves utilizing RNA interference
(RNAi) to thwart viruses that infect horses and other equine species.
RNAi is a highly conserved mechanism among eukaryotes that regulates
gene expression via post-transcriptional gene silencing. Dr. Canterberry
is working on methods to induce the silencing of viral genes and
viral receptors on equine cells to inhibit viral infection and replication.
Specifically, she is currently targeting Equine Infectious Anemia
Virus (EIAV). This virus causes a persistent and highly contagious
infection in equids that is spread through biting insects. There
is no vaccine and no cure, therefore the current method of control
for an animal testing positive (Coggins test) is either lifelong
quarantine or euthanasia. Thus, novel approaches must be considered
to protect naïve animals and to offer treatment options for
those already infected.
Dr. Canterberry teaches:
