The Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology (Renwick Lab)
Introduction: I was recently selected through the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical
Organization New Clinician-Scientist Program to establish my own “Laboratory of Translational
RNA Biology” in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine. My laboratory focuses
on medical disorders resulting from defects in post-transcriptional gene regulation, a key RNA
control mechanism involving RNA-binding proteins, microRNAs, and target RNAs.
Research vision and directions: My research vision is to develop novel RNA-based
diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on our knowledge of RNA control. My research
directions include: (i) understanding the genetic basis of defective post-transcriptional gene
expression, (ii) profiling and visualizing RNA changes between healthy and diseased tissues,
and (iii) elucidating pathomechanisms of clinically relevant regulatory defects through cell
culture disease models. For each direction, I have selected a distinct population or disease
that best illuminates the issue at hand. Through my research, I expect to advance our
knowledge of post-transcriptional gene regulation and to develop novel RNA-based
diagnostics and therapeutic approaches.
Experience and expertise: My research builds on postdoctoral training in anatomic and
molecular pathology (Columbia University, 2001-7) and RNA molecular biology (The
Rockefeller University, 2007-14). Through pathology training, I gained comprehensive
knowledge of disease mechanisms and molecular diagnostics. Through RNA molecular
biology training, I developed expertise in post-transcriptional gene regulation under the
guidance of Prof. Thomas Tuschl. Coupled with medical (University of Otago, 1987-93) and
doctoral research (University of Amsterdam, 1997-2001) training, I have a sustained track
record of significant and original research.
https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=3HyJ0KQAAAAJ&hl=en
Laboratory members: We are actively building our laboratory and looking to recruit bright and
enthusiastic students in computational and molecular biology. Current laboratory members
include:
Neil Renwick (Pathology, Molecular Biology)
Xiaojing Yang (Cell Biology)
Kathrin Tyryshkin (Computational Biology)
Genevieve Pare (Molecular Genetics)
Francine Milione (Biology)
We are seeking to recruit a Master’s degree candidate with an interest in computational
biology. Sufficient scripting knowledge to interface programs is required. Knowledge of Unix
and SQL language is a plus. Also, knowledge of gene structure and familiarity with the UCSC
genome browser is highly desirable.
We are also looking for a summer student to develop a laboratory website and will consider
pathology 499 or other students for molecular genetic or biochemical studies related to our
laboratory research theme.
Important collaborations: We have three active collaborations with researchers from around
the world.
To study the genetics of the post-transcriptional machinery in a population isolate, we have
partnered with Dr. Lev Goldfarb (Clinical Neurogenetics Unit, NIH) and Prof. Fyodor Platonov
(Director, Institute of Health, North-Eastern Federal University, The Sakha Republic).
To profile and visualize RNA changes in archived cancer specimens, we have partnered with
Dr. Yao-Tseng Chen (Director of Anatomic Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell
University).
To study disease-related RBP and miRNA changes, we have partnered with Prof. Thomas
Tuschl, HHMI_Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University.
Funding: I wish to thank the following agencies for their generous support:
The Canada Foundation for Innovation, John R. Evans Leaders Fund
The Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University
The Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University
The Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Association
Contact details: Please contact me at neil.renwick@queensu.ca should you wish to discuss
studentship opportunities.