![]() ![]() We aim to characterize RNA structure and functions to better understand vertebrate development. In the Beaudoin lab, we are inspired by these two phenomena of dynamic cellular transitions during development and the role of RNA structure in governing the flow of cellular information. ![]() RNA structure provides a fundamental regulatory layer of RNA activities. It is impossible to dissociate RNA function from RNA structure. Consider now that RNA is a polymer of four simple monomers it is striking how such complex functions can arise from simple rearrangements of four base components. RNA also constitutes the backbone of some of the most important machineries found within the cell, such as the ribosome, the telomerase enzyme, the RNAse P, tRNA, the splicosome, and many others. RNA operates as a platform to bind various factors to regulate gene expression. ![]() RNA acts as a template for the construction of proteins. The central role of RNA in biology is enabled by a broad diversity of RNA functions. This a fundamental process of embryonic development is universal across the animal kingdom.Īt a whole different scale, at the level of molecules, we find that transcripts of RNA coordinate the flow of information circulating within a cell. The first is the fascinating process by which two of the most specialized and highly differentiated animal cells, the sperm and the oocyte, come together and transition to a completely naïve state from which they differentiate to form all the different cell types and tissues required to create a brand-new animal. Research in the Beaudoin lab stems from two captivating biological observations that appear unrelated at first sight. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |