Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions presents Assoc. Prof. Mark Bayfield, Department of Biology, York University, Toronto

Talk Title: "Roles of RNA chaperones in the post-transcriptional control of gene expression"

Abstract: RNA chaperones are proteins that promote the native fold of RNAs using mechanisms that are not well understood. Our lab investigates the mechanisms by which a breadth of RNA chaperones affect a number gene expression programs in yeast and human cells. La proteins promote the native fold of pre-tRNAs and are hypothesized to promote the translation of some mRNAs by remodelling their 5’ untranslated regions through RNA chaperone activity. We have demonstrated that RNA chaperone activity is also a common feature of the La-related proteins, and we are investigating mechanisms by which these proteins also contribute to gene expression. Finally, we are investigating the basis by which tRNA modification enzymes promote the native fold of tRNAs even in the absence of chemical modification. I will discuss our recent work as well as our current research directions investigating how these RNA binding proteins make important contributions to gene expression programs.

Please join us,

Refreshments will be served.