Research focus
Accurate and efficient conversion of genomic information into various RNAs and functional proteins is essential for cell metabolism and determines the characteristic features of different cells and tissues. Precise regulation of gene expression enables dynamic responses to developmental cues or changes in intra- and extracellular conditions. While dysregulation of gene expression often leads to disease, the capacity of cells to modulate the expression of particular genes is critical during the cellular response to stress conditions. Regulation of gene expression can occur at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and translational levels, and involves a diverse range of mechanisms. We are interested in understanding the contributions of various different types of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNA-dependent enzymes to modulating gene expression. More specifically, we want to understand how these proteins influence the maturation, localisation, stability and translation of mRNAs. A particular focus of our work is on elucidating the precise roles of nucleases and RNA modification enzymes in controlling the functions and fates of different RNAs.
Current topics
- Assembly and function of stress-induced RNP granules
- Regulation of RNA surveillance and decay
- RNA modifications in transcriptome adaptation
- Mechanisms of ribonucleoprotein complex remodeling