Decoding the Cryptic Switches Embedded in Eukaryotic Pre-mRNA.
The human genome houses hidden checkpoints. While the standard macro-spliceosome processes the overwhelming majority of transcripts, the U12-dependent minor spliceosome acts as a master regulator for an elite, highly unstable class of genes. Our work maps how these specific switches trigger or arrest cellular transformation.
By tracking the catalytic degradation curves of U6atac snRNA under physiological shock, the Younis Lab systematically analyzes post-transcriptional anomalies that control pathways responsible for oncology progression, metabolic collapse, and cellular renewal.
Alternative Splicing Topography
High-density structural model mapping alternative intron retention sequences. Intrenched non-coding segments operate as natural biological bottlenecks, controlling transcription velocity across malignant cells.
The Minor Intron Bottleneck
Accounting for just 0.4% of the human genomic footprint, minor introns manage critical, rate-limiting cellular pathways including DNA replication loops and specialized structural scaffolding tracks.
Oncogenic Reprogramming
Tumors exploit splicing errors. We track instances where variant splicing elements allow metastatic cell architectures to survive severe environments, introducing new targets for targeted therapies.
The Research Collective
Doctoral degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from The Ohio State University, following foundational biochemistry degrees at the American University of Beirut. Dr. Younis drives computational and molecular analytics pipelines at CMU-Q, focusing on post-transcriptional machinery failure modes in human disease contexts.
Graduated with absolute College Honors in Biological Sciences paired with a Neuroscience tracking track. Recipient of the 1st place distinction at the 2026 Meeting of the Minds Symposium for isolation of functional variants of hnRNPA2B1 in triple-negative breast cancer lines. Khalid represents the sole undergraduate scholar selected to deliver research findings directly to the IARC Cancer Prevention Assembly in France.
Directs core molecular assay infrastructure and handles protocol enforcement, multi-site cell culture lines, and data collection frameworks for our active research initiatives.
Placeholder biographical profile for an active laboratory researcher. Focus areas involve custom script mapping, transcript data organization, and monitoring high-throughput sequencing data channels.
Placeholder biographical profile for an active laboratory researcher. Specializes in managing molecular assay control protocols, RNA extraction configurations, and biological sample logs.
Placeholder biographical profile for an active laboratory researcher. Focus runs across advanced structural modeling algorithms and tracking kinetic curves of processing machinery loops under targeted settings.
Selected Peer-Reviewed Literature
| TIMELINE | INDEXED JOURNAL ENTRY |
|---|---|
| 2018 |
"The cancer spliceome: Reprogramming of alternative splicing in cancer." |
| 2015 |
"A U1 snRNP-specific Assembly Pathway Reveals the SMN Complex as a Versatile Hub for RNP Exchange." |
| 2013 |
"Minor Introns are Embedded Molecular Switches Regulated by Highly Unstable U6atac snRNA." |