Dr. Yitzhak Tor

Professor

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Biography

Yitzhak Tor's laboratory focuses on the development of small molecules that interact with RNA, which plays a central role in numerous biological processes. His long-term goal is to understand RNA-ligand interactions in order to develop molecules that can specifically interfere with essential RNA-RNA and RNA-protein complexes. This work involves analyzing the structural and functional features of various families of RNA-binding molecules through synthetic chemistry, biochemical assays, and biophysical tools. Dr. Tor's research also explores the design and synthesis of novel luminescent molecules that can be used to create emissive probes based on organic metal-containing chromophores, with a particular focus on fluorescent analogs of biologically important nucleotides. In addition, he investigates the mechanisms through which delivery systems based on guanidinoglycosides can facilitate the uptake of large, bioactive molecules into living cells, which has significant implications for drug delivery applications. Through his outreach activities, Dr. Tor actively mentors underrepresented students in science, providing them with essential research experiences and supporting their professional development in the field.

Research Interests

Experience

Faculty

— Present

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

Research Fellow

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Awards

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George W. Carol Lattimer Campus Professor

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Editor-In-Chief Organic Chemistry Insights

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Teddy Traylor Scholar Organic Chemistry

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Hellman Faculty Fellowship

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).