Research

My research interest spans two distinct yet intertwined areas of biological study: post-transcriptional gene regulation by two types of non-coding RNAs.

1) Mechanisms of small RNA biogenesis and regulation

RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring biological process that regulates gene activity through small RNAs, leading to the targeted silencing or degradation of specific mRNAs. This phenomenon holds significant promise as a therapeutic tool, and researchers have actively explored its potential for treating various diseases. My primary research interest is understanding the genetic mechanisms that govern RNAi activity with direct relevance to therapeutic applications. Despite extensive study of the canonical mechanisms of small RNA biogenesis and regulation by traditional approaches, central RNAi regulators are still being characterized by recent technical innovations. From my combined expertise in genetics, biochemistry, and bioinformatics, I have focused on investigating and uncovering the functional mechanisms of RNAi regulators.

2) Regulatory mechanisms of alternative polyadenylation (APA)

3'UTRs are dominant sites of post-transcriptional regulation and mediate diverse functions such as positive and negative effects on RNA levels or translational efficiency, RNA localization, and protein-protein interaction. Moreover, as most genes express multiple 3'UTRs via alternative polyadenylation (APA), such regulation can be conditional. While APA landscapes differ broadly across cell types, developmental stages, and disease states, a key shortcoming in the field is the lack of molecular mechanisms that drive APA. My secondary research interest focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in 3'UTR isoform selection and exploring their widespread implications in biological functions. The context-specific regulation of APA has been linked to a range of human diseases. Thus, investigating the mechanisms underlying their formation is pertinent to understanding their relation to the therapeutics.

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