معرفی
Jessica Brown is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame, where she leads a research group focused on RNA structure and function. Her lab investigates the structural, biochemical, and cellular roles of RNA triple helices, with a particular emphasis on the MALAT1 triple helix and its implications in cancer biology.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, The Ohio State University (2010)
- B.S. in Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Wright State University (2005)
Her research lies at the intersection of biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular oncology. She explores fundamental questions about RNA triple helix formation, stability, protein interactions, and degradation pathways. Using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and high-throughput assays, her work aims to uncover the biophysical principles governing RNA triplexes and their regulatory roles in human disease.
The recent publications from her lab highlight a strong trend in RNA modification, non-coding RNA structure, and therapeutic targeting of oncogenic RNAs. Her studies span from mechanistic enzymology (e.g., METTL16 kinetics) to disease-associated structural rearrangements in MALAT1, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach that bridges basic science and translational applications.
Scientific Awards:
- NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00), 2014–2019
- American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2012–2014
- OSU Presidential Fellowship, 2010
- American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship, 2008–2010
Dr. Brown advises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in her lab, fostering training in cutting-edge biochemical and structural methods. While specific grant details are not listed, her sustained research output and prestigious fellowships indicate active external funding. Her lab is positioned at the forefront of RNA structural biology, with future work likely to expand the understanding of the 'triplexome' and develop tools for targeting stable RNA structures in disease.
Labs and Research Teams: The Brown Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame employs a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of researchers using structural, biochemical, and cellular approaches to study RNA triple helices. The lab actively recruits graduate and postdoctoral trainees and contributes to major discussions in RNA biology and epitranscriptomics.
