jtucker.lab.uiowa.edu | The University of Iowa

Our research

The Tucker lab studies transfer RNA (tRNA) dysregulation by herpesviruses and how changes in tRNA expression alter the course of infection. We are interested in defining the rules of canonical tRNA expression, as well as discovering non-canonical functions of tRNAs and their cleavage products.

Ultimately, we use viral infection as a window into a better understanding of the fundamental tRNA and its regulation in our cells.

Research Interests

tRNA sequencing

tRNA fragments produced during infection

Dissecting tRNA maturation

Tucker Lab News

September 2022: Kyle Rapchak joins the lab as a Research Associate! We are happy to have you!

Summer 2022: We have two amazing undergraduates working with us this summer. Ricardo Espinoza-Hernandez (REU) and Mahmoud Bashir (UIowa Micro major), welcome! Glad you are here!

May 2022: Ariana Jimenez, a PhD student in Immunology, was the first to join the Tucker lab. So exciting!

11/3/2021: Jessica is accepted as an Associate Member of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Excited for the opportunity to join the cancer research community at UIowa.

9/30/2021: Jessica's first day as a PI... so many boxes to unpack :)

9/7/2021: Jessica is awarded a HCCC ACS-IRG Junior Faculty Seed Grant!