Talimur Lab

About Us

At the Non-Coding RNAs Lab, we decode more than just the genetic code—we explore the hidden layers of gene regulation that shape life and disease.

Our work centers around one of the most overlooked yet powerful molecules in biology: the transfer RNA (tRNA). Traditionally seen as simple tools for protein production, tRNAs are now emerging as key players in how cells grow, adapt, and malfunction—especially in diseases like cancer.

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What Drives Our Research?

Rethinking tRNAs: More Than Just Translators: 
tRNAs act like tiny couriers, delivering amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. But not all codons—the three-letter words in mRNA—are used equally. This uneven use, known as codon bias, depends on which tRNAs are available. We study how cells, particularly cancer cells, tweak tRNA levels to selectively boost the production of proteins they need most. This is our lab’s first major focus: understanding how tRNA availability shapes protein synthesis in health and disease.

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tRNAs as Clues to Disease: 
What if a tiny RNA could help detect cancer? We believe it can. tRNAs are incredibly stable, highly abundant, and surprisingly informative. Because they’re far fewer in number than other RNAs, they’re easier to analyze—and changes in their expression may reveal a lot about what’s going wrong in a cell. Our second research goal is to find tRNA-based molecular fingerprints that could serve as early-warning signs for diseases like cancer.

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The Silent Architects—tRNA Genes and Genome Organization: 
Beyond their RNA products, the DNA sequences that code for tRNAs—called tDNAs—have a surprising job: they help organize the genome. These sequences can act as chromatin insulators, protecting active genes from being silenced. Our third research direction explores how tDNAs help shape the genome’s 3D structure and influence long-range gene regulation.

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Our Mission

We’re driven by a deep curiosity for the unexpected roles of small RNAs in big biological questions. By combining molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing, and computational tools, we aim to unlock how tRNAs and their genes influence everything from protein translation to genome architecture.

We are also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists—fostering a lab culture that values creativity, collaboration, and curiosity.

If you’re excited about RNA, regulation, and rethinking the central dogma—you’ve found the right lab.