Megan L. Insco, MD, PhD

Gene expression is a complex process, and sometimes mistakes are made, resulting in the generation of aberrant or “junk” RNAs. Dr. Insco previously discovered that cellular failure to “clean up” this junk RNA can contribute to the development and progression of melanoma. Her work is now focused on targeting aberrant RNA to treat cancer. First, she will identify compounds that specifically target melanomas that are unable to clean up their junk RNAs. Second, she will investigate how immune cells can be activated to attack melanoma cells that have high levels of aberrant RNAs. Many advances in our understanding of RNA biology over the last four decades have resulted in new therapies for patients. As this area of RNA biology is almost completely unexplored, Dr. Insco anticipates that studying mechanisms of aberrant RNA oncogenesis will reveal new therapeutic strategies for patients.