Welcome to the Tran Laboratory
Recent PublicationsOur current research is focused on 1) using RNA molecules as diagnostic tools for early cancer detection and 2) the engineering and evaluation of small and long RNA molecules for their use as potential therapeutics. Our lab is also interested in how viruses or other parasites can re-engineer or manipulate the mammalian genome.
1. Mason, D. et al. (2021) The dynamic interactome of microRNAs in head and neck cancers. Curr Opin Virol 51, 87-95. 2. Tran, N. et al. (2021) Fasciola hepatica hijacks host macrophage miRNA machinery. Sci Rep 11, 6712. 10.1038/s41598-021-86125-1 3. Hill, M. and Tran, N. (2021) Global miRNA to miRNA Interactions. Trends Cell Biol 31, 3-5. 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.10.005 |
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Our Research!MicroRNAs are tiny molecules that circulate in our bodies. We discovered that when one these microRNAs is disrupted this change in expression can be measured in the blood. This can provide us with valuable clinical information about a patient’s susceptibility to oral cancer. |
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Lab News
Lab Videos
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Nham's Blog2/3/2022: As we start the teaching semester, IT's good to see all the students back. We had a great lab meeting on Monday and welcomed new team members.
4/2/2022: End of the week and we had Meredith and Dayna present their final PhD seminars. Both spoke so well and did themselves proud.
17/2/2022: After several weeks leave, back to work this week and ready fro another exciting year.
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Quantitative PCR Workshop - 4 Day Course
Our workshop will be back in 2023
Our workshop caters for beginners and also post-doctoral scientists wishing to further their understanding of qPCR.
The course will cover experimental design, controls, and how to interpret your data. Hands-on experience will include cDNA preps, Sybr green, Taqman qPCRs, singleplex vs multiplex reactions. |
We will also have practicals on designing mRNA and miRNA primer sets. Cost for the course is $400 (Inc GST+Booking Fee*) per person. Class size will be limited to 30 participants and includes all materials. In 2020, we hope to deliver two course for PhD students and a more advance course for industry. Please register your interest with Nham Tran
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Explainer: microRNA, the puppet master of the genomeWhat are miRNA? MicroRNAs, are very small ncRNAs found in cells and only represent less than 0.1% of the entire mammalian transcriptome. However these tiny RNAs can control up to two thirds of gene expression in mammalian cells. Many miRNAs are dysregulated in common cancers such as those originating in the breast, lung, colon, liver, head and neck and the prostate. They are now regarded as key regulators in the process of tumourigenesis and given their impact on tumour biology, a plethora of studies have also suggested the use of miRNAs as potential biomarkers. Our lab is using miRNAs to act as diagnostic or prognostic markers in head and neck cancers. |
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