RESEARCH

UNDERSTANDING LONG NON-CODING RNA PROTEIN INTERACTIONS
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DNA gets transcribed to RNA which then gets translated into protein. However, not all RNAs are translated, these are called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Long ncRNAs are greater than 200 nucleotides in length, are transcribed by RNA polymerase II, spliced, 5′ capped, and polyadenylated. LncRNAs have been found to be highly important in both pre-transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. In addition, the location and the structure of lncRNAs can serve as indicators of their important functions. These functions include but are not limited to lncRNAs being associated with transcriptional activation, chromatin remodeling (guides, decoys), sponging, and scaffolding.

Our lab is highly interested in using and optimizing advanced technologies to 1) determine what the specific functions of lncRNAs are, 2) decipher how lncRNAs location in cells determined their function, and 3) how lncRNAs structure affects various cellular processes.

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AGGRESSIVE CANCER 

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

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Aggressive cancer refers to cancer that grows and spreads rapidly, often progressing quickly to other parts of the body. These types of cancers tend to have higher chances of recurrence and are more difficult to treat. Aggressive cancers often require more intensive and immediate treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, and they can have a poorer prognosis compared to slower-growing cancers. Our lab studies aggressive cancer including but not limited to late relapse breast cancer and multiple myeloma. 

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Currently, > 170 RNA modifications have been identified. Dysregulation of RNA modifications has been associated with the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including cancer. For instance, adenosine methylation results in N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant post-transcriptional mRNA and lncRNA modification. M6A modifications affect multiple aspects of RNA metabolism, RNA processing, nuclear export, and RNA translation, which in turn promote tumorgenesis.

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Our lab is conducting experiments to better understand where and what these modifications are doing in the cancer cell. 

TARGETING LONG NON-CODING RNAS WITH RNA THERAPEUTICS

RNA based therapies utilize RNA to treat patients. There is an increasing number of non-coding RNA therapies  that are being FDA approved for treating multiple diseases. Our lab is currently testing these type of therapeutics that will target RNAs to treat many cancers including aggressive breast and multiple myeloma.

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TECHNOLOGIES USED IN THE L AB