Academic title: Associate professor of pharmacology
Joined the USA College of Medicine faculty: Adjunct appointment in August 2014; primary appointment in August 2018.
What does your position in the USA College of Medicine entail?
My position primarily is medical research. I have about 20 people in my lab, the Borchert laboratory. I also teach computational genomics.
What is your favorite or most rewarding part of your position?
Making new discoveries. Some examples include:
- First-ever demonstration that a snoRNA-derived RNA (sdRNA) directly contributes to malignancy: In 2017, my group published work detailing the identification and characterization of a new type of small RNA disproportionately expressed in breast cancer tumor samples, and that this sdRNA directly promotes breast cancer cell invasion.
- Published major characterizations detailing large numbers of novel Salmonella small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) induced by stress: Nearly two-thirds of the 960 Salmonella sRNAs described to date were initially described in one of three reports by my group. In addition, these articles also present findings strongly suggesting sRNAs likely outnumber protein coding genes in bacteria.
- Described an entirely new DNA structure known as "G4 kissing": In 2020, my group described an entirely new DNA structure formed between complementary loops located in otherwise distinct genomic G4s. In addition to initially describing this complex new structure, this work also suggested "G4 kissing" helps mediate long-range genomic interactions between enhancer and promoter G4s as a means of coordinating gene expressions from multiple promoters associated with the common enhancer.
What research initiatives are you involved in?
Recently, my group has identified and is working to characterize small RNAs made up by SARS-CoV-2, potentially contributing to COVID-19 severity. We have also identified a new class of RNAs, secreted from human cells, that may conversely inhibit viral infections.
In addition, my work has focused on describing noncoding RNA (ncRNA) regulations for over a decade. In 2014, I was named by the National Science Foundation Genetic Mechanisms program for work describing novel aspects of microRNA regulation. I have an established record of innovation in the field of noncoding RNAs.
What is your advice for medical students?
Be sure to do some research in one of our labs. It can be extremely rewarding.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
I have a wife and three daughters, ages 7, 10 and 13, and happily spend time outside of work with them.
