I am addressing a long-standing unanswered question and developing a research project around HIV-induced glioblastoma to identify the role of the virus in inducing the brain cancer. I am also establishing the role that non-coding RNA plays in the development of resistance to radiation treatment for glioblastoma. I use my knowledge of RNA biology and molecular virology to identify drug targets and targeted therapeutics for conditions such as brain cancer related to HIV-AIDS.
Understanding the mechanisms of host pathogen interaction and antiviral response forms the basis of my research. I have characterized mechanisms of antiviral RNA interference and identified anti-viral targets for developing small molecule drugs/inhibitors. I developed the protocols for high-throughput, small molecule drug screening and identified small molecule inhibitors for HIV-AIDS treatment.
My research has identified and characterized novel host RNA-binding protein complexes required for viral protein translation and nucleation of virion ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). Recently, we addressed the long-standing gap in knowledge about how ribosomes are attracted to microRNAs (mRNAs), encoding tumor suppressor and HIV structural proteins. For the first time, we discovered molecular "chaperones" to control the access of ribosomes to tumor suppressor mRNAs. They unveiled nuclear proteins that remain secured for life to these select mRNAs and permit the timely synthesis of tumor suppressor proteins for healthy cell growth.
Our research identified that the nuclear RNA helicase and nuclear cap-binding protein 3 are repurposed to take the place of cytoplasmic regulators that need to be shut down in properly growing cells. I am extending the knowledge to use the RNP complex for drug targets to develop RNA-targeted therapy to control brain cancer and HIV-AIDS.
Education
- PhD, RNA Biology and Molecular Virology, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- MSc, Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, India
- BSc Honors, Botany, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, India
Patents
- U.S. provisional patent applications (US 62/852,459): “GA-motifs and uses thereof,” Kathleen Boris-Lawrie and Gatikrushna Singh. Sponsor: University of Minnesota
- Invention Disclosure (2019), “Novel translation control mechanism and uses thereof,” University of Minnesota Tech Commercialization Office, Kathleen Boris-Lawrie and Gatikrushna Singh
