Australian National University
Prof.
Thomas Preiss
Explores gene regulation mechanisms through epigenetics, revealing how subtle molecular changes influence DNA activity
Research Focus
The Preiss Group investigates how RNA, a crucial molecule in cells, controls genes. They aim to uncover the roles of different RNA types and how they impact health, particularly in diseases like cancer. Using human and yeast cells, they blend traditional biology with advanced methods. Their focus is mRNA, notably known from COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, studying how cells use it to create proteins and regulate this process. They also explore changes in RNA, examine circular RNAs, and investigate how proteins and RNA collaborate in cells. The group welcomes students eager to join their fascinating research!
Short Bio
After pursuing Chemistry studies in Germany and the UK and earned his Ph.D. in 1995 from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Following seven years at EMBL, he joined the Victor Chang Institute in Sydney in 2002. He held roles at UNSW and became a Professor of RNA Biology at ANU in 2011. In 2020, he became the director of ANU Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation.
Potential Research Topics
These are some ideas Prof. Preiss and this research group are fascinated by. If you have something you are interested in working on just let us know! We are always looking for new ideas!