RNA Structure and Regulation Group
Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) pass along information that can be decoded to produce protein. Importantly, these same mRNAs also contain information determining when, where and how much protein to make. This regulatory information is part of the RNA and can have a huge impact on the final protein output. The RNA Structure and Regulation group looks for ways to identify regulatory elements within mRNA and understand how regulatory elements function. Some examples of common regulatory elements are upstream open reading frames within the 5′ Untranslated Region (UTR) of a mRNA, splice sites at the junction between exons and introns and polyadenylation sites within the 3′ UTR. Local RNA structure can influence the activity of nearly all regulatory elements. We are also interested in how variation in our DNA impacts RNA regulation by altering RNA regulatory elements in mRNAs and disrupting protein expression. We are proud to be a part of the Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry at Clemson University.
Interested in the topics? Read along with us! We post our upcoming journal club papers during the academic year!
Interested in a RNA Biology? Want to get a graduate degree? Apply to the Clemson University Department of Genetics and Biochemistry graduate program. RNA Biology is an exciting field with many unanswered questions relevant to human disease. The RNA Structure and Regulation Group is located at the Center for Human Genetics, a new, research focused facility located in Greenwood, SC on the Greenwood Genetics Center campus.