Research Overview

We use biophysical, structural, and biochemical techniques to study the structure and function of biological systems involved in bacterial immunity. We are currently studying how prokaryotes defend against foreign nucleic acid invaders with sophisticated CRISPR adaptive immune systems. Our research is currently focussed on understanding the structure and function newly discovered CRISPR systems called type-IV and V.

CRISPR System Structure and Function

Prokaryotes defend themselves against foreign nucleic acid invaders with sophisticated CRISPR adaptive immune systems. We use biophysical, structural, and biochemical techniques to study the structure and function of diverse CRISPR systems.

Biological Role of Circular RNAs

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are long lived species of non-coding RNA that are generated during mRNA splicing. CircRNAs are conserved, abundant and prevalent, but little is known of their function. We use CRISPR technologies to explore circRNA function.