Gaëlle Talross, Ph.D
EXPLORING THE RNA WORLD AND THE SECRETS OF LONG NON-CODING RNA
Written by William Chen
Edited by VALENTINA ZHANG
Gaëlle Talross has always been fascinated by the unseen layers of biology—how molecules like RNA, once dismissed as mere messengers, orchestrate life’s most intricate symphonies. A Ph.D. graduate from Johns Hopkins University (2011–2018), specializing in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, Dr. Talross now works as an associate research scientist at Yale to explore how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) shape neuronal function and plasticity, which has implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders.
Her journey into research began early. When she was 8 she was inspired by her grandmother’s battle with Parkinson’s disease and dreamed of becoming a scientist to find a cure. This personal connection propelled her into the world of neuroscience and molecular biology. As an undergraduate researcher at the University of Wisconsin, she spent four years studying genetics, guided by her mentor, Dr. Scott Cooper, who emphasized the importance of using nature to ask the right scientific questions. This foundation of curiosity and problem-solving led her to explore diverse model organisms like ground squirrels and rats before committing to RNA research during her Ph.D.
Her work focuses on the often-overlooked contributions of RNA in biological systems. During her Ph.D., she delved into the "RNA world," investigating how RNAs—beyond their roles as messengers—fine-tune gene expression and regulate cellular pathways. This interest evolved into studying the misregulation of lncRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases, in which she hypothesized about their roles in the brain’s unique complexities. Her current project at Yale aims to uncover whether and how lncRNAs regulate neuronal function in simpler model organisms, such as Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly. She focuses on AnRUS, an lncRNA upregulated in the nose of flies raised under starvation, a model with potential parallels to human neurological processes.
Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Talross has prioritized mentorship and inclusivity in science. At Johns Hopkins, she served as a mentor with Mentoring to Inspire Diversity in Science (MinDS), where she supported undergraduates and peers in navigating their paths in research. She also organized events through the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine to foster professional growth for students and postdocs. These experiences reflect her commitment to lowering barriers in science and creating supportive environments for future researchers.
Dr. Talross credits much of her success to the guidance of kind mentors, such as her Ph.D. advisor, Joseph Gall, and her current lab PI, John Carlson. Their support, combined with her passion for RNA biology and neuroscience, continues to drive her forward. Her advice to undergraduates considering graduate school is, “Passion is essential. It’s a journey that requires independence and resilience, but the freedom to explore questions no one has answered before makes it worth it.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Talross is determined to unravel the mysteries of lncRNAs and how they make us who we are. For her, the RNA world is not just a field of study but a key to understanding life itself.