RNA Featured Researcher — Joshi Alumkal, Hematology-Oncology
Joshi J. Alumkal, M.D.
Professor, Associate Division Chief for Basic Research, Hematology-Oncology Division; Section Head, Genitourinary Medical Oncology Section, Internal Medicine, Medical School
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Our lab is focused on transcriptional regulation and how that contributes to lethal prostate cancer progression. We use biochemical, genomic, and epigenomic approaches in cellular models to clarify mechanisms by which key transcriptional regulators function. The most important goals of our studies are to identify therapies that effectively target and interdict lethal prostate cancer progression and to conduct innovative clinical trials designed to validate the molecular and clinical effectiveness of novel therapeutic agents.
- What is the role of RNA in your research?
We study how key transcriptional regulators function in prostate cancer so we can block them with new therapies. - Who/what brought you to science?
The desire to make new discoveries to improve human health. - What brought you to the University of Michigan?
I moved to the University of Michigan in 2019 because of the depth and breadth of science and the commitment of the entire community here to excellence in research, patient care, and teaching. - What advice would you give to students who’d like to get more involved in research?
Follow your passion. Science is about exploring the unknown, so one must learn to become comfortable with uncertainty. - Are there any opportunities for students to engage in your projects, currently or in the future?
Yes- What skills would they need? Basic molecular biology and cell biology skills. Resilience. Self-motivation.
- What could they expect to learn? Independent-thinking, reason, and a variety of state of the art molecular biology and chromatin techniques.
- What profession other than your own would you enjoy?
If I did not become a physician-scientist, I would have liked to be a history or philosophy professor or to have Terry Gross’ job on Fresh Air! - What is your favorite hobby?
Reading—both fiction and non-fiction—and soccer!