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Tran Lab
Elizabeth Tran earned her PhD in
biochemistry at North Carolina State University where she developed an in vitro
assembly and methylation system for trans acting box C/D snoRNAs. She then
pursued postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Susan Wente at
Vanderbilt University, where she identified the role of the RNA helicase Dbp5
in nuclear mRNA export. She joined the faculty at Purdue University
in 2009, where she explores the biochemical mechanism and biological function
of DEAD-box RNA helicases, a class of enzymes that are required for all aspects
of RNA metabolism but whose in vivo roles are yet to be
identified. Her laboratory is most well known for studies of the DEAD-box RNA
helicase Dbp2 in S. cerevisiae and insights into the roles
of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gene expression (Fig. 1). These insights
span the fields of RNA biology, epigenetics, and metabolism. Moreover, the
scientific community has highlighted her work for pivotal, paradigm shifting
advances in lncRNA biology (Best of JBC 2012, Nature highlight, Science
Signaling highlight). Her long-term goal is to understand the connection
between RNA structure, gene regulation, and cellular adaptation in relationship
to organismal survival and human pathology. In addition to research, Dr. Tran
is a strong supporter of the international scientific community and mentoring
the next generation of scientists. She is currently serving a two
year term as a Director on the Board of the RNA Society, an international
organization with ~1000 members worldwide.