Carol S. Lutz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor,
Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Associate Dean for Student Affairs, School of Graduate Studies
Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Cancer Track Director
My research interests have been RNA biology and gene expression regulation for the past 25 years. I have primarily focused on mammalian 3’ end formation and how this process can regulate gene expression. Our work has recently involved how microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate gene expression in cancer cells, especially in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway.
In the School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences-Newark Health Science Campus, I serve as the Track Director for the Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Cancer Track of our Multidisciplinary Ph.D. Program as well as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. In these positions, I teach courses, oversee student academic progress towards the chosen degree, handle student affairs matters, and perform a large number of administrative functions in graduate school.
Lab Members
Samuel Z. Desind, Ph.D. Candidate
Graduate Student Fellow
My current and future research focuses on understanding the relationship between the long non-coding RNA PACER and COX-2, the rate-limiting enzyme in PGE2 production. My thesis research aims to understand the specific mechanisms driving PACER expression. We are also investigating the two and three-dimensional structure of PACER to understand the relationship between lncRNA structure and function.
Samira K. Bell, Ph.D. Candidate
Graduate Student Fellow
I am a second-year P.h.D. student studying the long non-coding RNA PACER. We are currently designing assays to resolve the structure of PACER using strategies such as SHAPE-MaP and traditional thermodynamic modeling. I also serve on the executive board of the Graduate Student Association as the Academic Chair and the Ph.D. Student Liaison.
Zachary M. Davidson, Medical Student
Graduate Research Student
I am a second-year student at New Jersey Medical School studying the role of arachidonic acid signaling as a therapeutic target for a number of disorders.
Former Lab Members
Joseph Iacona, Ph.D.
Scientist, Experimental Pathology at The Janssen Pharmaceutical,
Companies of Johnson & Johnson
Former graduate student of the Lutz Laboratory. Focused on studying the mechanism and functions of miR-146a-5p. Additionally, Joseph initiated the study of the lncRNA PACER in lung cancer.
Nicholas Monteleone, Ph.D.
Research Analyst at Point72
Former graduate student of the Lutz Laboratory. Focused on studying the mechanism and function of miR-708-5p. Additionally, Nicholas worked with the laboratory of Dr. Raymond Birge to investigate the role of arachidonic acid signaling in apoptosis.