How certain viruses reach their replication centers in the nucleus to manipulate host genomes, and how host cells respond to this invasion is a fundamental question in virus-cell biology that the Francis lab aims to address. Using a multi-disciplinary approach involving single-virus live-cell imaging, structural biology, and genomics, his lab aims to understanding the underpinning principles of virus transport into the nucleus and its consequential effects, including structural, dynamic and contextual changes that encompass cellular adaptation.