One of the biggest realization in genomics during the last two decades has been that what was once considered junk DNA in human genome is pervasively transcribed and codes for a large number of regulatory non-coding transcripts. These regulatory are broadly classified into microRNAs,  long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). They can act as  cis- and trans-regulators of gene activity and play important functional roles in almost all cellular processes by interacting with proteins or non-coding transcripts.

My lab is interested in understanding the role of lncRNAs in regulation of gene expression in Cancer and Neuroinflammation. For these studies we use RNA sequencing in combination with cell biological, molecular and biochemical approaches to unravel molecular modalities of lncRNA function in cancer (Glioblastoma, Oral Cancer) and Neuroinflammation (Japanese Encephalitis Virus -mediated host response).These studies will provide insights into basic biological mechanisms and lay the foundation for development  of  novel diagnostic and treatment approaches for human diseases.