The Harris lab at the University of Minnesota, led by Dr. Reuben Harris; an HHMI investigator, is a leading cancer and HIV research facility. The Harris Lab uses a large repertoire of model systems and experimental approaches to understand how DNA mutating enzymes (APOBEC’s) provide immunity against viral infections, yet in many cases also contribute to tumor evolution through genomic DNA mutagenesis. Another goal of the Harris Lab is to translate these fundamental scientific discoveries into novel therapeutics against viruses and cancer.