Mihaela Rita Mihailescu, Ph.D.

Dr. Mihailescu is the department chair and professor of the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She’s a distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate with a specialization in biotechnology and molecular biology. She conducted pioneering research at the Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology/NIST in Rockville, MD. The research primarily focused on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Studies of the HIV-1 Dimer Initiation Site Kissing Complex and its Interactions with the Nucleocapsid 7 Protein.

With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Wesleyan University, Dr. Mihailescu's doctoral dissertation, titled "Structural Energetics in Human Hemoglobin: A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Investigation," delved into the intricacies of human hemoglobin, showcasing advanced expertise in spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, Dr. Mihailescu holds an M.S./B.S. in Biophysics/Physics from the University of Bucharest, Romania. Her research is characterized by a comprehensive background and a proven track record of impactful contributions to molecular biology and biophysics. 

• B.S., M.S. University of Bucharest
• Ph.D., Wesleyan University, CT
• Post Doctoral Fellow, Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology

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Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) Molecular Basis:

• Investigated the genetic underpinnings of Fragile X Syndrome, focusing on the CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the fragile X mental retardation-1 (Fmr1) gene.
• Explored the correlation between CGG repeat length and the manifestation of FXS symptoms, elucidating the transition from the general population's 6-54 repeats to over 200 in the full mutation, resulting in Fmr1 gene silencing.

Structural and Functional Characterization of FMRP:

• Conducted in-depth analysis of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), emphasizing its RNA-binding motifs (two K Homology domains and an RGG-rich box) and posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation and arginine methylation.
• Investigated alternative splicing events within the Fmr1 gene, particularly focusing on exons 12 and 14, and the acceptor sites in exons 15 and 17.

RNA Recognition Motifs and G Quadruplex Structures:

• Examined the RNA recognition motifs of FMRP, highlighting the proposed G quadruplex (GQ) structure as a specific motif with high affinity and specificity for the FMRP RGG box.
• Validated the existence of GQ structures in various FMRP neuronal mRNA targets, elucidating the thermodynamics of their interactions with FMRP.

FMRP in Translation Regulation:

• Explored the role of FMRP in the transport and translation regulation of specific neuronal mRNA targets.
• Investigated the interaction between FMRP and the microRNA (miRNA)-guided RNA induced silencing complex (RISC) in repressing translation, with a focus on miR125a-loaded RISC and its association with the post-synaptic density 95 (PSD-95) mRNA.

Biochemical and Biophysical Approaches:

• Employed biochemical and biophysical methods to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying FMRP's interaction with the miRNA pathway and its translation regulator function.
• Investigated how alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications of FMRP might influence its overall protein function.