RNA molecules display a diverse repertoire of biological functions across all domains of life. These functions include the regulation of gene expression by microRNAs, non-coding RNAs and riboswitches; transfer of genetic information by messenger RNA; and enzymatic catalysis as essential components of large protein-RNA complexes such as the spliceosome and ribosome or alone as authentic self-cleaving and -ligating RNA enzymes. These varied examples demonstrate the broad range of important roles RNA molecules play in regulating gene expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Therefore understanding their detailed mechanisms is important not only because these events are fundamental processes in biology, but also because disruptions in their normal activity cause a variety of disease states.

We are interested in how specific RNAs regulate gene expression and more importantly how complex RNA structures are required for such regulation. Our laboratory studies the molecular basis of ribosome function and/or proteins involved in the repression or activation of protein synthesis during mRNA processing and transport. We primarily use the structural biology technique of X-ray crystallography to study the molecular details of protein-protein and protein-RNA recognition. In addition, we use complementary biochemical and biophysical techniques to address function in vitro.

There are currently post-doctoral training opportunities available in the lab. Interested candidates should contact Christine for further information. If you are interested in graduate school at Emory please see the Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (GDBBS) website for information and application.

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