Yohei Kirino

Yohei Kirino is a Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Thomas Jefferson University (TJU), and holds a joint appointment in the Computational Medicine Center. He leads the Kirino Lab, which focuses on understanding the biogenesis and molecular functions of short non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) to develop novel biomarkers and therapies for diseases like cancer. His lab pioneered methods such as Four-Leaf Clover PCR, Dumbbell-PCR, cP-RNA-seq, and YAMAT-seq for analyzing ncRNAs.

Dr. Kirino's research emphasizes piRNAs (germline-specific ncRNAs) and tRNA-derived ncRNAs. Key contributions include identifying BmPapi as a piRNA biogenesis factor, discovering SHOT-RNAs (tRNA halves promoting cancer cell proliferation), and elucidating how tRNA fragments activate TLR7 in immune responses. He joined TJU in 2013 after being an Assistant Professor at Cedars Sinai Medical Center (2010–2013), completing postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania (2006–2010), and earning his PhD from the University of Tokyo (2006).

• Education:
  • PhD in Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokyo (2006)
  • MSc (2003), BSc (2001), University of Tokyo

Research interests span ncRNA roles in cancer, immunity, and development, with particular focus on translational applications. His lab's tools have enabled breakthroughs in understanding RNA fragmentation and signaling pathways. Current work explores disease-specific ncRNA patterns and their clinical utility.

Notable achievements include the discovery of SHOT-RNAs as therapeutic targets in hormone-dependent cancers and the development of YAMAT-seq for tRNA sequencing. His studies bridge RNA biology with computational approaches, advancing precision medicine strategies.