|
| |
 |
| Home >
Research > |
RNA:
Structure, Metabolism and Catalysis /
RNA Processing / Trafficking |
|
| Legault,
Pascale |
E-mail:
pascale@bmb.uga.edu |
| The
research in our laboratory focuses on NMR spectroscopy and biochemical
studies of RNAs and RNA-protein complexes in order to gain a
structural understanding of their biological function. Several
ribozymes are currently being investigated to help understand
the structural basis of RNA catalysis. The activity of these
ribozymes depends on specific divalent metals for proper folding
and chemical reactivity. We are determining the structure of
these ribozymes and studying their interaction with divalent
metal ions. Several RNA-protein interactions that play key roles
in HIV infection are also being investigated using binding and
NMR methods. In addition, we are studying the effect of small
organic compounds on these RNA-protein interactions to provide
insights in the design of improved anti-HIV drugs. |
| Keywords:
RNA, RNA-protein interactions, HIV, ribozyme, metal binding,
structural biology, NMR spectroscopy |
|
| Terns,
Michael P. |
E-mail:
mterns@bmb.uga.edu |
| Ribonucleoprotein
particles consisting of small nucleolar RNAs and associated
proteins (snoRNPs) function in the cleavage and modification
of ribosomal RNA in eukaryotes. The many individual snoRNAs
guide snoRNPs to specific sites of rRNA processing and modification
by basepairing to rRNA. We are currently working to determine
the structure / function of the snoRNPs. Modification guide
RNAs have also recently been identified in archaeal genomes
by computational screens. This exciting discovery indicates
that modification of rRNA in Archaea is also guided by RNAs
(rather than catalyzed by individual site-specific protein methyltransferases
as in Bacteria). Using the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus
furiosus, we have begun to investigate the conserved features
as well as the very interesting differences between the eukaryotic
and archaeal systems. This work involves collaborations with
Sean Eddy (Univ of Washington) and Mike Adams (Univ of Georgia). |
| Keywords:
nucleic acids-RNA (biogenesis, transport, and function), biomedical
research (telomerase, gene therapy, ribozymes), hyperthermophilic
Archaea (Pyrococcus furiosus) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
