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- Worms in space |
RNA Processing is the vital genetic activity by which all primary transcripts for transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA, and messenger RNA are converted into the mature forms that are active for protein synthesis. The University of Pittsburgh has long had a leading presence in this research area, highlighted by seminal discoveries about the roles of poly(A) polymerase and branched-RNA intermediates in eukaryotic mRNA processing from the lab of the late Dr. Mary Edmonds (left), a former member of the National Academy of Sciences and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biological Sciences. At the present time, several groups pursue research about the mechanism and regulation of RNA splicing, which involves intron removal and coding segment joining to yield mature RNAs. The research team led by Dr. Craig Peebles (left) studies Group II introns from yeast mitochondria and bacteria. Group II self-splicing introns form complex RNA structures that embody catalytic activities required for RNA splicing and DNA transposition. Researchers in the Peebles group, including collaborator Dr. Jim Franzen, employ genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry to learn how Group II intron RNAs derive their catalytic power and exquisite precision. The research group of Dr. Paula Grabowski uses the rat cerebellum as a model system to study how pre-mRNA splicing events are regulated in a cell- and developmental stage-specific manner. The rat cerebellum is a rich source of neuron-specific splicing events and activities that are currently being used to study the biochemical basis of splicing regulation. Research is also aimed at understanding how splice sites are masked or activated in different cell types by examining the specific roles of RNA binding proteins of the hnRNP class by use of molecular genetic approaches. The interactive RNA Processing community in Pittsburgh promotes exchanges among many research groups with complementary interests at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Informal meetings are held monthly over pizza and soda to share our excitement about research in progress by presenting short talks on RNA processing, RNA structure, or RNA-protein interactions in systems as diverse as yeast, Drosophila and mammals. |
Dr. Paula Grabowski |