Overview
The Hargrove lab harnesses the unique properties of small organic molecules to study the structure, function and therapeutic potential of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The discovery of these fascinating biomolecules has caused a paradigm shift in molecular biology and speculation as to their role as the master drivers of diseases such as cancer. At the same time very little is known about their structure and function, leading some to call the field a veritable “wild West.” Small molecules are the perfect tools for such exploration, and the Hargrove lab works at the interface of chemistry and biology, employing methods ranging from RNA-targeted small molecule synthesis and array-based pattern recognition to studies of the molecular and cellular biology of nucleic acids. Collaborations with the Department of Biology as well as colleagues in the School of Medicine ensure that these tools are applied to the most important unsolved problems in the fundamental biology and disease-related actions of long noncoding RNAs.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Research Professor of Chemistry
·
2024 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Adjunct Associate Professor of Biochemistry
·
2024 - Present
Biochemistry,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2013 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Small molecules reveal differential shifts in stability and protein binding for G-quadruplex RNA.
Preprint · February 12, 2025 Full text Link to item CiteChemical matter that binds RNA
Chapter · July 5, 2024 The recent "RNA revolution" has spurred the growth of studies focused on targeting disease-relevant RNAs with various chemical probes, from sequence-based antisense oligonucleotides to structure-based small molecules. Among these, small molecules attracted ... Full text CiteStability-Based Proteomics for Investigation of Structured RNA-Protein Interactions.
Journal Article Analytical chemistry · February 2024 RNA-protein interactions are essential to RNA function throughout biology. Identifying the protein interactions associated with a specific RNA, however, is currently hindered by the need for RNA labeling or costly tiling-based approaches. Conventional stra ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Medical Scientist Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027University Training Program in Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1994 - 2027Therapeutic Targeting of The Long Noncoding RNA SCHLAP1 in Aggressive Prostate Cancer
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2025View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Texas, Austin ·
2010
Ph.D.
Trinity University ·
2004
B.S.