The Fischer Group - Programmable RNA Systems Lab

We combine fundamental nuclear RNA biology with synthetic RNA engineering to design programmable RNA systems that sense cellular state and precisely control gene expression for biomedical applications.

About

The Programmable RNA Systems Lab studies how RNA is regulated, processed, and surveilled in the nucleus, and applies this mechanistic understanding to engineer programmable RNA systems for cell-specific control of gene expression.

Our work spans fundamental nuclear RNA biology, including non-coding RNAs, RNA surveillance, R-loops, and RNA-chromatin interactions, as well as synthetic RNA engineering approaches such as ribozyme-based sensing and logic-gated mRNA activation. The long-term goal is to develop precision RNA platforms for biomedical and therapeutic applications, with a particular focus on personalised cancer strategies.

Enquiries are welcome from potential Honours or PhD students. Please contact us.

Projects

We study how nuclear RNAs are processed, surveilled, and selectively exported, and how non-coding RNAs and R-loops shape genome organisation and stability. By defining the logic of nuclear RNA fate decisions, we aim to understand how RNA systems maintain genome integrity and contribute to disease.

Student intake

Open for Honours, PhD students

Status

Current

People

We engineer programmable RNA systems that activate gene expression only in target cells by embedding sensing and logic directly within mRNAs. Using ribozyme-based RNA switches, we create self-activating mRNA platforms that enable precise, cell-specific control of gene expression for biomedical applications.

Student intake

Open for Honours, PhD students

Status

Current

People

Members

Leader

Tamas Fischer

Group Leader - The Fischer Group

Technician

Technical Officer

Student

No photo provided

Honours Student

Jing Zhang

PhD Student

News

Cryo-EM structure of a quality control arrested spliceosome.

New research provides insight into how cells identify and discard faulty molecular machines responsible for RNA splicing.

Read the article
ANU 3MT Final 2024 - Rakshanya and Sasanan

Creating a historic moment for the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR), two of our outstanding PhD students Sasanan and Rakshanya claimed the winner and runner-up awards at the Australian National University (ANU) 3-Minute Thesis Competition 2024 grand finale, held on 25 July at Llewellyn Hall.

Read the article

Andrew Zeller, Dan Palmer, Fiona Lewis and Sandali Seneviratne have had a big year conducting their Honours research at The John Curtin School of Medical Research. They share the highlights of a stressful, but rewarding journey.

Read the article