Codons and mRNA Translation
Serine deprivation can decrease the mRNA translation efficiencies of two of the six serine codons, TCC and TCT, to selectively affect protein levels. Our lab is interested in elucidating the mechanisms that regulate translational differences of codons in response to nutrients and the biological impact of such regulation in human health and diseases.
- mRNA translation efficiencies
- Codons
- Nutrient environment
- Biological Function
RNA Modifications and mRNA Translation
There are ~300 different types of RNA modifications in all kingdoms of life found in mRNA, tRNAs and rRNAs. However the function and role of many of these modifications in biology is not know. Our lab is interested in identifying, characterizing, and elucidating the role of RNA modifications on mRNA translation.
- RNA modifications
- Liquid Chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry
- Next-generation sequencing
- Biological Function
Inborn-errors of Metabolism
Inborn-errors of metabolism (IBEM) are characterized by germline mutations in metabolic genes that lead to the accumulation of toxic and non-toxic metabolites that can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Our lab is interested in understanding the biochemical effects of metabolic dysfunction in inborn-errors of metabolism on mRNA translation and disease progression, such as neurobehavioral issues.
- Amino acid-driven IBEM
- Effects on mRNA translation
- Disease phenotypes
- Neuro-behavioral issues
- Electrophysiology
Human Health and Disease
By understanding the biochemical mechanisms that control fundamental processes in cells in normal and disease states, our lab is interested in identifying targetable opportunities and to develop therapies to improve the outcome of diseases in humans.
- Development
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Autoimmune Disease
- Genetically-driven diseases
- Cryo-EM
- Therapeutics