Hunter Patterson

Program: Neurosciences

Current advisor: Timothy M. Miller, MD, PhD

Undergraduate university: Washington University, 2015

Enrollment year: 2016

Research summary
Exploring RNA Binding as a Modulator of TDP-43 Pathology in ALSand Other TDP-43 Proteinopathies

My work explores the effects of RNA binding on the behavior of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), an RNA-binding protein that shows a characteristic pattern of mislocalization and aggregation in ALS and other neurological diseases. More specifically, it tests the ability of synthetic oligonucleotides designed to bind TDP-43 with high affinity (bait oligonucleotides) to affect the localization, solubility, function, and toxicity of the protein in both cellular and animal model systems.

Another focus of my work has been describing the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in ALS pathogenesis.

Graduate publications