Professor

Dr. Leung’s research focuses on how gene regulation impacts diseases states including cancer, neurodegeneration and virus infection. Recent research focus includes noncoding RNAs, such as circular RNAs and microRNAs, and a druggable protein modification called poly(ADP-ribose). Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are currently approved by FDA to treat multiple cancers. Though therapeutically important, this modification is understudied, partly due to a woeful lack of tools. Dr. Leung’s team invents the tools to investigate this protein modification, discovering its roles in various RNA processes, RNA virus infection, and the formation of membrane-less organelles. To dissect the underlying mechanisms, Dr. Leung’s team also use a range of multi-disciplinary techniques from chemical probe synthesis, single-molecule biophysical measurements and quantitative imaging to informatics, genomics and proteomics approaches. They are highly collaborative, drawing expertise within the lab, the University and around the world, their goal being to translate multi-dimensional scientific findings to therapy and diagnostics.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyBloomberg School of Public Health

https://mbg.jhmi.edu/sites/default/files/people/AnthonyLeungCV_201803_JHSPH.pdf