Engineering Biological Technologies into Therapies
The Novina Lab focuses on the biology of non-coding RNAs, their dysregulation in diseases and their development as biomedical tools. We are taking a protein biochemistry approach to understand molecular mechanisms of non-coding RNA function and to elucidate their role within disease context. For example, we developed the first fully cell-free microRNA-dependent translational repression reactions, used these reactions to demonstrate how microRNAs repress translation during initiation, and discovered an intronic microRNA that performs the tumor suppressor function of its host loci. We also discovered a long non-coding RNA that plays key roles in melanoma tumor formation and annotated its role in melanoma invasion to single nucleotide resolution. More recently, we developed a platform technology that discovers non-coding RNA function by systematically identifying its interacting proteins. Recognizing the significant biomedical potential of another RNA-guided system, CRISPR-Cas9, we used directed protein evolution to generate a split DNA methyltransferase and are using other protein engineering approaches to enable targeted reprogramming of gene expression.
The Novina Lab is a highly-collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. In addition to studying the fundamental biology of non-coding RNAs, we work closely with physicians to understand clinical dilemmas and then develop RNAs and complimentary technologies as biomedical tools to address unmet medical needs. In this way, as we investigate molecular mechanisms and engineer biological technologies, we also accelerate the translation of biological discoveries into novel therapies. The following You Tube video describes some advantages of Doing Basic Research in a Cancer Institute. I also edited a textbook entitled Biotechnology from Idea to Market based on a course that I mentor in the Harvard Biotechnology Incubator. My chapter, Translational Research in Academia – Moving Towards the D side of R&D describes how I have integrated basic and translational research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Areas of focus in the lab include investigating the role of non-coding RNAs in oncogenesis, bone marrow failure syndromes, and converting white fat to brown fat thermogenesis. We are also using our RNA platform technology to engineer COVID-19 therapies and cancer immunotherapies. Other technologies we are developing include biomedical tools that enable epigenetic engineering, a Boolean logics gated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell system, and an innovative nanoparticle strategy for immunotherapy.
The following pages expand upon our approach to research, collaborations, environment, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
The Novina Lab is a highly-collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. In addition to studying the fundamental biology of non-coding RNAs, we work closely with physicians to understand clinical dilemmas and then develop RNAs and complimentary technologies as biomedical tools to address unmet medical needs. In this way, as we investigate molecular mechanisms and engineer biological technologies, we also accelerate the translation of biological discoveries into novel therapies. The following You Tube video describes some advantages of Doing Basic Research in a Cancer Institute. I also edited a textbook entitled Biotechnology from Idea to Market based on a course that I mentor in the Harvard Biotechnology Incubator. My chapter, Translational Research in Academia – Moving Towards the D side of R&D describes how I have integrated basic and translational research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Areas of focus in the lab include investigating the role of non-coding RNAs in oncogenesis, bone marrow failure syndromes, and converting white fat to brown fat thermogenesis. We are also using our RNA platform technology to engineer COVID-19 therapies and cancer immunotherapies. Other technologies we are developing include biomedical tools that enable epigenetic engineering, a Boolean logics gated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell system, and an innovative nanoparticle strategy for immunotherapy.
The following pages expand upon our approach to research, collaborations, environment, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
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