RNA is essential for cell survival. It is not only a messenger between the genomes and proteomes but also carries out or participates in many functions such as RNA processing and protein translation, acting as structural scaffolds, transporters, gene regulators and biocatalysts. Eukaryotic cells produce diverse types of RNAs. Most, if not all, are synthesized in a form of a precursor that needs to be post-transcriptionally processed and/or modified in order to form mature functional molecules. To assure that only properly formed, processed and modified RNAs are maintained in the cell, eukaryotes posses RNA quality mechanisms to recognize and efficiently remove aberrant molecules.
We aim to clarify molecular mechanisms underlying RNA surveillance and degradation in eukaryotic cells through the investigation of the detailed biochemical principles of RNA recognition, processing and degradation. We are primarily studying mechanisms and functions of posttranscriptional modifications, such as internal base chemical modifications and 3' end tailing of coding and noncoding RNAs in yeast and mammalian cells.
