RESEARCH

Understanding non-coding RNAs
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Our DNA contains instructions for making all the proteins our bodies need, and these instructions are first copied into a molecule called RNA. Some of these RNAs go on to make proteins, but many do not. These are called non-coding RNAs, and they play important roles in how our cells function.

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One type of non-coding RNA, called long non-coding RNAs (or lncRNAs), is longer than most and behaves a lot like protein-coding RNA—it’s carefully processed by the cell and often found in specific places within it. Scientists have discovered that lncRNAs can help turn genes on or off, organize the DNA in our cells, soak up other molecules to control their activity, or act as scaffolds that help build larger molecular machines.

In our lab, we use cutting-edge tools to:

1. Discover what lncRNAs actually do,

2. Learn how their location inside the cell affects their function, and

3. Understand how their structure helps them influence different cellular activities.

Understanding Aggressive Cancer 

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells. These cells can invade healthy tissues and organs, often forming tumors. In more serious cases, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system—a process called metastasis.

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Some cancers grow and spread much faster than others. These are known as aggressive cancers. They tend to come back more often, are harder to treat, and often require urgent and intensive therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

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Our lab focuses on studying aggressive cancers, including—but not limited to—late recurrence breast cancer and multiple myeloma. We also collaborate with oncologists who study a wide range of cancer types.

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​Another exciting area of research in our lab involves RNA modifications. Over 170 types of chemical modifications have been found on RNA. These modifications can influence how RNA behaves in the cell—how it's processed, how it leaves the nucleus, and how it helps make proteins. When these processes go wrong, they can contribute to cancer and other diseases.

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Our lab is actively exploring how RNA modifications like m6A influence cancer, working closely with engineers and using advanced tools to uncover new insights into how these small chemical changes can have a big impact on disease.

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RNA-Based Therapies for Cancer Treatment

RNA-based therapies use RNA molecules to treat various diseases. In recent years, the number of FDA-approved non-coding RNA therapies has been steadily increasing, offering promising new treatments for multiple conditions.

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Our lab is focused on developing innovative RNA therapeutics, specifically designed to target RNA molecules in order to treat cancer, including aggressive types of cancer. In addition to creating novel diagnostic tools, we aim to harness the potential of RNA-based treatments to improve cancer care and patient outcomes.

Use of advanced technologies to study RNAs

We utilize multiple types of advanced sequencing methods and RNA biology methods to characterize lncRNAs, RNA-protein binding, and RNA modifications.