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Abu Musa Md Talimur Reza, PhD

Current Academic Role

I am a full-time faculty member at Gebze Technical University, Türkiye, where I actively contribute to the academic and research missions of the university. I lead the Non-coding RNAs Laboratory, focusing on cutting-edge research in non-coding RNA biology and its applications in therapeutics. My responsibilities include teaching both undergraduate and graduate-level courses, supervising and mentoring students at various stages of their academic careers, and serving on multiple thesis monitoring committees. Additionally, I take part in departmental and institutional service activities, fulfilling various administrative and academic duties as assigned.

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Education

My academic journey reflects a progressive evolution across the life sciences. I began with an undergraduate degree in Animal Husbandry, followed by a Master’s in Animal Breeding and Genetics. I then pursued a PhD in Stem Cell Biology, and completed postdoctoral research in Cancer Biology and RNA Biology, with a focus on small RNAs.

Employment

My professional journey began at Paragon Grandparent Stock Farm, a poultry breeding facility in Bangladesh, where I worked as a Trainee Officer for approximately four months following my undergraduate studies. During the final semester of my Master’s degree, I joined the Sundarbans Tiger Project, supported by the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh and the Zoological Society of London, serving for about eight months.

During my PhD studies at Kangwon National University, South Korea, I worked as a Research Assistant. This was followed by approximately 3.5 years of postdoctoral research at Konkuk University, South Korea. I then spent four years as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland.

In 2022, I started serving as a full-time faculty member (Assistant Professor) at Gebze Technical University, Republic of Türkiye, where I lead the Non-coding RNAs Laboratory.

Teachning Experiences

MBG 534 – Non-coding RNAs
Level: Master’s and PhD Students

This is an advanced, research-driven course that provides an in-depth exploration of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)—their types, structures, genomic organization, biogenesis, and functions. The course highlights the paradigm shift in molecular biology, where the traditional view of the central dogma ("DNA makes RNA, and RNA makes protein") has been revolutionized by recent scientific discoveries.

Topics Covered Include:

  • RNA Polymerases and transcriptional regulation

  • Ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), Transfer RNAs (tRNAs)

  • Small and long non-coding RNAs: miRNA, lncRNA, siRNA

  • RNA-directed DNA methylation

  • Spliceosome and small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs)

  • piRNAs, snoRNAs, exRNAs, scaRNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs)

  • Functional RNA elements: Ribozymes, Riboswitches

  • RNA editing and post-transcriptional modifications

  • RNA-binding proteins and RNP complexes

  • Telomerase biology and RNA world hypothesis

 

MBG 423 – Molecular Mechanisms of Epigenetics
Level: 4th Year (Elective Course)

Often introduced as a "Lifestyle Genetics", this course encourages students to explore how everyday decisions—diet, habits, environmental exposures—can influence gene expression and genomic regulation through epigenetic mechanisms. It builds a conceptual and practical understanding of how our genome interacts with lifestyle and environment.

Key Topics Include:

  • Epigenetic memory and state transitions

  • DNA methylation and histone modifications

  • Role of non-coding RNAs in epigenetics

  • Polycomb and Trithorax group proteins

  • X-chromosome inactivation and gamete reprogramming

  • Epigenetic basis of development and disease

  • Epigenetic heterogeneity and inheritance

  • Diagnostic and therapeutic tools in epigenetics

 

MBG 328 – Population Genetics
Level: 3rd Year (Compulsory Course)

This course offers a theoretical and applied perspective on Population Genetics, emphasizing real-world applications, case studies, and problem-solving skills. It prepares students to understand genetic structures of populations, selection dynamics, and foundational principles of breeding programs.

Core Focus Areas:

  • Genetic variation within and between populations

  • Forces of evolution (mutation, selection, drift, migration)

  • Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and deviations

  • Linkage disequilibrium, inbreeding, and effective population size

  • Practical breeding program design and analysis

 

MBG 221 – Genetics
Level: 2nd Year (Compulsory Course)

A foundational course that introduces students to the core principles of classical and molecular genetics. It also touches upon population and behavioral genetics to build a well-rounded understanding of the field.

Content Highlights:

  • Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance patterns

  • Molecular basis of gene expression and regulation

  • Introduction to reproductive genetics

  • Principles of Population Genetics

  • Basics of Behavioral Genetics

 

MBG 223 – Genetics Laboratory
Level: 2nd Year (Compulsory Course)

A practical course designed to complement MBG 221 Genetics by translating theoretical knowledge into hands-on laboratory experience. The course is conducted by a team led by me as the course consultant and three laboratory assistants, focusing on demonstration-based learning.

Topics Demonstrated:

  • Topics that are theoretically discussed under MBG 221 Genetics

Research Experiences

My overarching research goal is to uncover the roles of small RNAs—in the regulation of health and disease. My laboratory is especially focused on how the deregulation of specific anticodon tRNAs influences codon-biased translation, a process increasingly recognized as a layer of post-transcriptional gene regulation. We aim to determine whether modulating tRNA pools, specifically through targeted manipulation of anticodon variants can be integrated into novel therapeutic strategies, particularly for diseases where conventional drug targets are ineffective or inaccessible.

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We are planning to expand our research focus to include the applied use of RNA interference (RNAi) and genome editing technologies in areas such as biopesticide development and genome-edited crop and livestock varieties. This represents one of the future strategic goals of our laboratory. Currently, we are seeking collaboration with researchers or laboratories experienced in the agriculture and livestock industries to help advance this vision. 

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Over the years, I have contributed to and led research projects supported by a variety of prestigious national and international agencies, including:

  • National Research Foundation (NRF), South Korea

  • European Union Regional Fund (EURF)

  • Foundation for Polish Science (FNP)

  • National Science Center (NCN), Poland

  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

  • Ministry of Science and Technology, Bangladesh

  • Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)

 

Ongoing and Completed Projects as Principal Investigator: 

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1. Impact of Targeted tRNA Manipulation to Control the Expression of MYC, the ‘Undruggable’ Proto-Oncogene and Master Transcription Factor

  • Funding Agency: TÜBİTAK 1001 (ID: 123Z986), Türkiye

  • Duration: 2023–2026 (3 years)

  • Budget: 2,406,468 TL (~100,000 USD), excluding salaries

  • Objective: To investigate how modulating specific anticodon tRNAs can influence the translation of MYC—a key oncogene traditionally considered "undruggable"—and assess the potential of this approach in cancer therapy.

 

2. Identification of Differentially Expressed Anticodon tRNAs Between Lung Cancers and Normal Lung Epithelial Cells

  • Funding Agency: Rector’s Endowment Fund, Gebze Technical University

  • Duration: 2024 (1 year)

  • Budget: 250,000 TL (~8,000 USD), excluding salaries

  • Objective: To perform differential expression profiling of anticodon tRNAs in lung cancer vs. normal epithelial cells, aiming to identify cancer-specific tRNA signatures.

 

3. The Impact of tRNA Levels Manipulation on Ribosome Heterogeneity

  • Funding Agency: MINIATURA 4 (ID: 494539), National Science Center (NCN), Poland

  • Duration: 2021 (1 year)

  • Budget: 49,940 PLN (~14,000 USD), excluding salaries

  • Objective: To evaluate how experimental manipulation of tRNA levels alters ribosome composition and heterogeneity, contributing to our understanding of translational control in cellular physiology.

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