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Deciphering the code underlying RNA-protein crosstalk
Deciphering the code underlying RNA-protein crosstalk
The human genome encodes many more RNAs than proteins. Most of the DNA is transcribed into RNAs, but relatively few RNAs are translated into proteins as part of the central dogma. What do these non-protein-coding RNAs do? How do they accomplish their unique roles in biology? How does each RNA make specific interactions with proteins in a specific cellular environment to create unique signals that impact biology? Many RNA-protein interactions are central to host-pathogens interactions and disease-causing events. How do we manipulate RNA-protein complexes to develop effective therapeutics?
Our lab’s overarching goal is to understand how RNAs communicate with proteins. RNAs are notoriously dynamic, and pinning down their specific function can be challenging. Nonetheless, RNAs engage in specific interactions with proteins to fulfill unique roles in biology. Thus, we hypothesize that understanding the language between RNAs and proteins is key to unraveling the role of RNAs in life.
Our strategy uses interdisciplinary methods—structural biology (cryo-EM), enzymology, biochemical probes, biophysical measurements, genomics, cell-based gene regulation studies, and cancer models—to examine the functional mechanisms of RNA-protein complexes. We choose to investigate the RNA-protein systems well-known for their contribution to normal or pathogenic physiology. We then dissect the mechanisms underlying the specificity and regulation of the RNA-protein crosstalk, including how deviations cause diseases such as cancer or neurological diseases. Finally, we use the knowledge to derive novel therapeutic avenues. Our long-term goal is to predict the outcomes of RNA-protein interactions by training artificial intelligence what we learn about the language between RNAs and proteins.
New Students Welcome!
New Students Welcome!
(Updated: June 30, 2025)
Our lab currently has positions available for graduate students working on their Ph. D. theses. If you are interested in doing a rotation in our lab, please email Yunsun Nam directly for more information on current rotation projects.
Prospective students need to apply to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UT Southwestern.
Postdoctoral Positions Available
Postdoctoral Positions Available
(updated: June 30, 2025)
Biochemistry and Structural Biology of RNA-protein Complexes
A postdoctoral research position is available in the laboratory of Yunsun Nam, in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, to study the mechanisms underlying RNA-protein complexes important for gene regulation. Our laboratory works on exciting projects dissecting the rules that govern RNA-protein recognition. We investigate how specific RNA-protein interactions contribute to proper gene regulation. More specifically, we investigate the core and regulatory mechanisms that govern RNA processing (eg. microRNA and small RNA maturation via endonucleases), modification (eg. methylation), and folding (eg. RNA helicases) that impact the RNA function in the cell. The RNA-protein complexes we study are relevant for normal development as well as diseases. As we unravel how dysregulated RNA-protein complexes derail gene expression and cause cancer, we use our mechanistic understanding to identify novel therapeutic avenues.
To study how proteins and RNAs recognize each other, we use biochemical and biophysical methods. Postdoctoral scholars will have opportunities to learn the newest methods in protein and nucleic acid biochemistry and biophysics, in addition to working in an exciting, fast-evolving field of RNA biology and therapeutics. We use various approaches, including cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, molecular biology, nucleic acid and protein biochemistry, genomics with next-generation sequencing, high-throughput screening for drug discovery, and cancer cell biology. The postdoctoral fellow will have ready access to the top-of-the-line equipment and resources necessary for the above approaches. For cryo-EM, we have ready access to four microscopes on our campus: two Titan Krios, one Glacios, and one Talos Arctica. Information on our postdoctoral training program, benefits, and a virtual tour can be found on the UTSW postdoc website.
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or an M.D. degree. Experience in biochemistry and structural biology leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals is recommended.
Interested individuals should email the PI (Yunsun Nam) a CV (with publications and contact information for 3 references listed) and a one-page cover letter that contains: ● A summary of your past research experiences and accomplishments. ● A statement of interest in Nam Lab and why you could be a great fit. ● Your goals for your postdoctoral training period. ● Potential start date.
Yunsun Nam, Ph.D.
Department of Biochemistry
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Yunsun.Nam@utsouthwestern.edu
Lab Website: www.ynamlab.org
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status. To learn more, please visit here.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status. To learn more, please visit here.
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