BSUBall State University · Biology
Bernstein RNA Lab
Douglas A. Bernstein · Muncie, Indiana
Research Focus
The Bernstein Lab at Ball State University focuses on understanding the role of RNA modifications in fungal pathogens, particularly C. albicans and C. auris. By studying how these fungi process pseudouridine, which differs from human RNA metabolism, the lab aims to uncover vital differences that could lead to new antifungal treatments. Students in the lab gain hands-on experience with modern techniques to explore these important biological questions.
fungal pathogensC. albicansC. aurispseudouridylationRNA metabolismantifungal resistancemolecular biologybiofilm formationheavy metals
Research Aims
5AIM 01Characterize how heavy metals affect C. albicans Pus1 localization.
AIM 02Determine the impact of pseudouridine degradation on C. auris growth and biofilm formation.
AIM 03Identify Pus1 substrates and their interactions with other proteins.
AIM 04Examine the virulence of PUG1 deletion using wax moth and planaria models.
AIM 05Provide hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate and masters students.
Skills the Lab Values
PCRcell cultureRNA sequencingbioinformaticsWestern blotmolecular cloningmicroscopygenetic manipulationanimal models
Output against the department
Publications176top 38% of dept.388th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations4.7kbottom 37% of dept.655th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.