Research Bio
Kathleen Collins is a professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology. After 25 years of field-leading research in our studies of telomerase, endogenous RNA silencing, non-coding RNAs, and RNP biogenesis, the Collins lab transitioned to explore new uncharted realms: eukaryotic retroelements, non-LTR retrotransposon reverse transcriptases, and the use of engineered reverse transcriptases for RNA sequencing and gene therapy technologies. Funded by an NIH Director's Pioneer Award, we seek to understand the unique principles of eukaryotic non-LTR retrotransposon biochemistry and biology. We are using our insights to engineer new methods for safe, versatile, site-specific transgene addition to the human genome.
Research Expertise and Interest
retrotransposon, reverse transcriptase, genome engineering, RNA sequencing
In the News
Junk DNA in Birds May Hold Key to Safe, Efficient Gene Therapy
A History of Innovation: Berkeley Entrepreneurs, Companies that Changed the Way We Live
Nine faculty elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Long-sought structure of telomerase paves way for drugs for aging, cancer
Trading in the Scalpel for a Sharper Blade
Teaching
Molecular Biology: Macromolecular Synthesis and Cellular Function [MCELLBI 110]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [MCELLBI 199]
Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Macromolecular Reactions and the Cell [MCELLBI 210]
Research Review in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Polymerase and RNA Biochemistry and Biology [MCELLBI 219Z]
Research [MCELLBI 292]
Supervised Independent Study [MCELLBI 99]
Honors Research [MCELLBI H196A]
Honors Research [MCELLBI H196B]
Supervised Internship [MCELLBI 197]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [MCELLBI 199]
Research Review in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Polymerase and RNA Biochemistry and Biology [MCELLBI 219Z]
Research [MCELLBI 292]
Supervised Independent Study [MCELLBI 99]
Honors Research [MCELLBI H196A]
Honors Research [MCELLBI H196B]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [MCELLBI 199]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [MCELLBI 199]
Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Macromolecular Reactions and the Cell [MCELLBI 210]
Research Review in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Polymerase and RNA Biochemistry and Biology [MCELLBI 219Z]
Research [MCELLBI 292]
Supervised Independent Study [MCELLBI 99]
Honors Research [MCELLBI H196A]
Honors Research [MCELLBI H196B]