Lisa Middleton

Lisa Middleton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Her work bridges biochemistry and molecular genetics, with a focus on translational regulation and selenium metabolism.

Research Interests: Dr. Middleton's research centers on RNA-binding proteins and their role in regulating gene expression, particularly in the context of selenocysteine incorporation during protein synthesis. Her work investigates how nutrients like selenium modulate molecular mechanisms in eukaryotic cells, with implications for cancer and metabolic disorders. Key areas include translational control, RNA metabolism, and the biochemistry of selenoproteins.

The available publication highlights her focus on selenium-regulated RNA-binding proteins, particularly eukaryotic initiation factor 4a3, revealing its inhibitory role in selenocysteine incorporation—a critical process in synthesizing antioxidant selenoproteins. This work situates her research at the intersection of nutrition, RNA biology, and translational control.

• Scientific Service:
• Committee Member, Georgia Cancer Center Basic Science Committee (2020)
• Chair, Minors in Laboratories Committee (2020)
• Chairperson, Library Advisory Committee (2017–2019)

Advising and Grants: While specific students and grant funding are not listed in the provided text, her committee roles—especially chairing ethics and safety-related committees—suggest leadership in academic governance and student research oversight. Her scholarly output indicates a sustained focus on molecular mechanisms in gene expression.

Labs and Research Teams: Though not explicitly named, her affiliation with the Georgia Cancer Center and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology suggests active participation in collaborative research teams focused on cancer biology and molecular mechanisms of disease.