We continue to be fascinated by the complexity of the human genome. Surprisingly only a small percentage (less than 3%) of the genome codes for protein while the majority of the genome is actively transcribed. The largest group of RNA produced is known as Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). LncRNAs are transcripts greater than 200 nucleotides in length. There are currently nearly 16,000 lncRNAs within the human genome and the majority of their functions remain unknown.

Here in the Carpenter lab we are focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that control the innate immune responses. These complex signaling cascades that lead to the production of inflammatory cytokines and type 1 IFNs provide essential protection against infection. Any perturbation to these responses can have devastating consequences to the host and result in inflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Recent evidence shows that lncRNA play important roles in diverse biological functions including embryonic development, differentiation, imprinting etc. Our focus is on understanding their roles in controlling inflammatory gene programs in macrophages and dendritic cells. We use a number of molecular biology tools to answer these questions including; RNA-sequencing, gain and loss of function experiments using Cas9-CrispR Technology and localizations studies using Florescent in-situ hybridization. We believe lncRNAs represent an additional regulatory layer in controlling the inflammatory gene program. We hope that by gaining an understanding of their function within these cells that we will obtain insight into human disease and perhaps novel targets for therapeutic intervention.