Center for RNA Biomedicine

RNA Innovation Seminar: Lydia Freddolino, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biological Chemistry, Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, U-M Medical School
2025-05-19 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | BSRB – Kahn Auditorium
“Transcriptional control by heterochromatin-like regions is a conserved feature across the bacterial kingdom”
Lydia Freddolino, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Biological Chemistry
Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics
University of Michigan Medical School

In-person: Kahn Auditorium, BSRB | Hybrid link
Abstract:
Despite decades of dogma indicating that bacterial chromosomes are universally accessible to transcription, more recent evidence has emerged indicating that bacteria in fact contain densely protein occupied, transcriptionally silent regions in their genomes. We have observed such silent regions across every bacterial species so far tested using appropriate methods, despite substantial differences in the molecular implementation in each case. Furthermore, these regions can be partitioned roughly into constitutive and condition-dependent regions of silencing, drawing clear functional analogies to constitutive vs. facultative heterochromatin in eukaryotes. I will present an overview of recent findings on the molecular architecture and functional roles played by bacterial heterochromatin-like regions, along with an outlook of how these regions may interact with epigenetic phenomena and evolution.
Biography:
Lydia Freddolino obtained her B.S. with Honors in Biology at the California Institute of Technology, followed by Ph.D. work in the laboratory of Prof. Klaus Schulten at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, focusing on large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of protein folding and assembly. She then pivoted to pursue postdoctoral training in bacterial systems biology under the guidance of Prof. Saeed Tavazoie, first at Princeton University and later at Columbia University. Since joining the faculty at the University of Michigan in 2015, Lydia has built her research program around two main pillars, one centered on the transcriptional regulatory roles of bacterial chromatin, and one focused on developing and applying new computational methods for predicting protein structure and function.

Links:
Freddolino Lab

RNA Innovation Seminar: John Lueck, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Physiology; Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center
2025-06-16 16:00 - 17:00 | BSRB – ABC Seminar rooms, 109 Zina Pitcher Pl, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
“Development of ACE-tRNAs as a platform therapeutic for nonsense-associated diseases”
John D. Lueck, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Pharmacology and Physiology
Neurology
University of Rochester Medical Center

In-person: ABC Seminar Rooms, BSRB | Hybrid link
Co-hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis at UM Initiative

Abstract:
We have generated a library of AntiCodon Edited (ACE) -tRNAs that are capable of suppressing disease-causing nonsense mutations and rescuing WT protein function. However, to advance ACE-tRNAs as a therapeutic, we set out to determine how well they function as a platform therapeutic, where one ACE-tRNA sequence encoding one amino acid can be used to restore significant function of the target protein with nonsense to missense mutations. This maneuver would significantly reduce the burden of advancing several ACE-tRNA sequences through clinical trials and FDA approval. Further, we are working to determine modalities for viral and non-viral delivery of ACE-tRNAs to different tissues. In doing so, we have taken advantage of the diminutive size of the ACE-tRNA expression cassette to generate small DNA vectors for efficient cell delivery and nuclear targeting.
Biography:
The focus of my research is to evaluate the therapeutic promise of suppressor tRNA for treatment of cystic fibrosis. In my graduate training I studied myotonia in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) in Dr. Robert Dirksen’s laboratory and in collaboration with Dr. Charles Thornton. I used both molecular biology/genetics and electrophysiology approaches to determine how the DM1-associated problems with alternative splicing affect function of ClC-1 chloride channel and muscle excitability. I showed that chloride conductance is rapidly rescued if ClC-1 splicing is corrected or if sequestration of splicing factors is released. I also investigated the effects of splicing misregulation on function of RyR1. These studies resulted in 10 publications and cemented my interest in doing translational research. Following my graduate work, I joined Dr. Kevin Campbell’s laboratory. There I learned membrane protein biochemistry, antibody generation and testing mouse skeletal muscle physiology testing and gene therapy approaches, in studies focused on muscular dystrophy. This experience makes me well suited to conduct independent research using a breadth of techniques focused disease pathogenesis. My research took a turn as I became interested in the field of genetic code expansion and its use as a therapeutic for cystic fibrosis (CF) that result from nonsense mutations. I quickly published 5 studies in 3 years with Dr. Chris Ahern that propelled me to my current independent position, where I have been able to extend my research in determining the therapeutic promise of our suppressor tRNA technologies for CF. In my next steps, I will use my extensive training in mouse genetics, molecular biology, membrane biophysics and protein biochemistry to investigate the impact on cellular and tissue processes following stop codon suppression in vivo and generate new CF therapeutic deliverables that can be translated into other nonsense associated diseases. More broadly, I’m interested in applying membrane biophysics and molecular and cellular biology approaches to elucidate the molecular underpinning of genetic diseases, and then using mechanistic insights to develop new treatments.
Research interests:
My research focuses on the molecular genetics and experimental treatment of diseases resulting from nonsense mutations. I am investigating the use of engineered tRNAs for suppression of nonsense mutations in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) transcripts as therapeutic intervention for cystic fibrosis. Additionally, I am interested in the molecular genetics and experimental treatment of the trinucleotide repeat disorder myotonic dystrophy (DM1). Moving forward, I intend to study pre-mRNA splicing defects in DM1 to determine the causes of muscle weakness and wasting, and develop and test new therapeutic strategies to target the genetic misstep and reverse symptoms. More broadly, I’m interested in applying membrane biophysics, molecular and cellular biology approaches to understand the molecular underpinning of genetic diseases and develop therapeutic interventions.
Links:
John D. Lueck, Ph.D. | University of Rochester Medical Center Faculty Page
Lueck Lab
John D. Lueck | Google Scholar

Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution - Film Screening and Post-Film Panel Discussion
2025-10-23 19:00 - 21:30 | Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
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Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 PM
Michigan Theater
603 E Liberty St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
To purchase tickets, please visit the Marquee Arts Website
Special offer for current U-M students!
Use the promo code UMRNA to unlock the Complimentary Ticket option. Good for one ticket, while supplies last. Must show current U-M Student ID for entry.

Film | Documentary | NR | 1h 36m | 2025

Cracking the Code, narrated by Mark Ruffalo, is an inspiring story of vision, perseverance, and the power of science to change the world. Phil Sharp’s journey from a Kentucky farm boy to Nobel laureate embodies the American Dream and the triumph of entrepreneurial spirit. His 1977 groundbreaking discovery of RNA splicing rewrote the rules of molecular biology and ignited a life-saving scientific revolution, laying the foundation for an industry that has become a cornerstone of global innovation and economic growth – and transformed the health of billions of patients worldwide.

Featuring a post-film Q&A with a panel co-presented by the University of Michigan Center for RNA Biomedicine and U-M Innovation Partnerships. Panelists include (subject to change):
Dr. Amanda Garner – Charles Walgreen Jr Professor, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Director, Interdepartmental Program in Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy
Dr. Muneesh Tewari – Ray and Ruth Anderson-Laurence M Sprague Memorial Research Professor, Professor of Internal Medicine, Associate Division Chief, Basic Research, Medical School and Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School and College of Engineering
Dr. Nils Walter – Director, U-M Center for RNA Biomedicine, Francis S Collins Collegiate Professor of Chemistry, Biophysics and Biological Chemistry, Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Biophysics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Program Associate, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Professor of Biological Chemistry, Medical School
Kate Remus, Senior Associate Director & Business Development Group Lead, University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
Additional panelists TBD

Download the official flyer HERE.
To purchase tickets, please visit the Marquee Arts Website
Special offer for current U-M students! Use the promo code UMRNA to unlock the Complimentary Ticket option. Good for one ticket, while supplies last. Must show current U-M Student ID for entry.

2026 RNA Symposium
2026-03-06 - 2026-03-07 | BSRB – Kahn Auditorium
RNA Frontiers: From Mechanisms to Medicine
This year’s symposium explores the dynamic world of RNA, highlighting how fundamental mechanisms and molecular machines are shaping both our understanding of cellular processes and the development of next-generation medical innovations. Through cutting-edge scientific talks and a patient advocacy panel discussion, we will explore a wide range of topics spanning epigenetics, genome editing, RNA structure, and translational research, and discover together how RNA is propelling biological discovery from molecular intricacy to real-world impact in medicine and beyond.

Early bird registration is now open!

Click here to register!

The Center for RNA Biomedicine at the University of Michigan proudly invites you to the 2026 RNA Symposium. Taking place from Friday, March 6 to Saturday, March 7, 2026, this premier event will convene thought leaders and pioneering researchers in the field of RNA science and biomedicine.
Scheduled Speakers:
Shelley Berger, Ph.D.
University of Pennsylvania
Karla Neugebauer, Ph.D.
Yale School of Medicine
Madeleine Oudin, Ph.D.
Tufts University
Erik Sontheimer, Ph.D.
UMass Chan Medical School
Nils Walter, Ph.D.
University of Michigan
Sarah Woodson, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University

Dates: March 6 – 7, 2026
Kahn Auditorium
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH BUILDING
109 ZINA PITCHER PLACE
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48109
University of Michigan Ann Arbor Campus
