Joanna Kovalski

RESEARCH

The Kovalski lab seeks to uncover fundamental mechanisms of post-transcriptional control of gene expression to identify novel selective regulators of tumorigenesis and illuminate new vulnerabilities to target cancer. Previous cancer research that relies upon genomic and transcriptomic approaches misses the critical role of post-transcriptional control mechanisms that enable cancer cells to precisely and rapidly respond to changing cell state, such as oncogenic transformation, unchecked proliferation, and metastasis. In particular, the functional interactions between specific RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and select target genes have remained elusive, emphasizing the need for new perspectives and technologies. To fill this gap, we employ a systems-level strategy that integrates unbiased functional screening, RNA biology tools, proteomics, and in vivo models to illuminate how particularly selective RNA translational control fuels cancer cell addiction to oncogene protein production. Ultimately, our goal is to discover how cancer cells integrate internal and external signals to respond selectively and precisely. Through mapping the functions of novel trans and cis regulators, we can fully illuminate the post-transcriptional regulatory code that drives cancer and identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities.