RNA Folding, Mutation, and Detection.

The structure of RNA molecules is absolutely critical to their functions in a biological system. RNA structure is dynamic and changes in response to cellular needs. Within the last few decades, there has been an increased interest in studying the structure of RNA molecules and how they change to support the needs of the cell in different conditions.

Targeting Aurora A Kinase (AAK) in Platinum-Resistant High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.

Aurora A kinase (AAK) involved in G-M transition is functionally involved in centrosome maturation and maintaining an active spindle assembly checkpoint. We tested the hypothesis that in platinum-taxane resistant high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) inhibition of AAK involved in G-M transition would enhance the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin (CP) or paclitaxel (PT). Using HGSOC cell lines from platinum-taxane refractory patients that do not harbor mutations, we tested the anti-tumor activity of CP, or PT alone or in combination with the AAK inhibitor alisertib (AL).