Mechanisms of RNA Processing
A major goal of our research group is to understand how three dimensional structures determine mechanisms of RNA-mediated gene-regulation. Only about 2% of the transcribed genome is estimated to be coding for protein-- how do the rest, known as noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), work? How are ncRNAs recognized and what do they recognize? How do structural elements contribute to the activity of ncRNAs? We are particularly interested in a family of ncRNAs called microRNAs. MicroRNAs modulate messenger RNA translation, and are critical in the development of various human diseases, including cancer. To elucidate the molecular details of how microRNAs are produced and regulated, we combine 3D structure determination combined with biochemical dissection, including techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, molecular biology, enzymology, next-generation sequencing, and eukaryotic cell-based assays.
A major goal of our research group is to understand how three dimensional structures determine mechanisms of RNA-mediated gene-regulation. Only about 2% of the transcribed genome is estimated to be coding for protein-- how do the rest, known as noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), work? How are ncRNAs recognized and what do they recognize? How do structural elements contribute to the activity of ncRNAs? We are particularly interested in a family of ncRNAs called microRNAs. MicroRNAs modulate messenger RNA translation, and are critical in the development of various human diseases, including cancer. To elucidate the molecular details of how microRNAs are produced and regulated, we combine 3D structure determination combined with biochemical dissection, including techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, molecular biology, enzymology, next-generation sequencing, and eukaryotic cell-based assays.