Dr. Tim Audas

Biography

Tim Audas is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University. His research focuses on noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which have emerged as important regulators of essential cellular pathways. These molecules exhibit remarkable functional divergence, acting as transcription/translation factors and epigenetic regulators. In general, ncRNAs are believed to fine-tune the basic proteomic machinery to enhance cellular adaptability in response to environmental stressors. Regardless of the stimulus—be it heat shock, metabolic deprivation, or DNA damage—ncRNAs facilitate a state of proliferative arrest, allowing the cell to allocate resources to pathways critical for survival. The list of functional RNA molecules continues to expand rapidly, emphasizing the significance of this family of transcripts. Audas' research group investigates a newly discovered extracellular stress-response pathway, where ncRNAs regulate the rapid reversible conversion of proteins into amyloid-like structures. Remarkably, natural amyloids possess biochemical properties associated with the plaques and aggregates observed in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and prion-based diseases, suggesting that the dysregulation of this biological pathway may be a common cause of neurodegenerative disorders. His work is focused on identifying the environmental and cellular factors that mediate the formation and disassembly of natural amyloid aggregates, contributing to the translational significance of his research in preventing and treating neurological diseases.

Research Interests