“Over the years, studies have found that more than 80% of the genome may be involved in transcription, or producing noncoding RNA,” said Andrzej Wierzbicki, a professor in the University of Michigan Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. “So the dilemma was: Is all this noncoding RNA functional? Is it important for something? Or…
Stephen C.J. Parker, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics Department of Human Genetics Contact Lab website Research interests We study the effects of genetic variation on chromatin architecture and transcriptional regulation at single-cell resolution. Our research group uses an integrative approach in the general fields of computational biology and functional genomics. The…
The observation of single biomolecules in real-time is crucial for our understanding of the cellular biology that is assembled from these molecules, be they DNA, RNA or protein. The recent development of an array of tools and techniques for single-molecule analysis allows studies at an extremely small scale (nanometers, or 10-9 meters) over short periods…
The Center’s Executive Committee welcomes two new members, Sara Aton, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, College of LSA (left), and Laura Scott, Ph.D., Research Professor, Biostatistics, School of Public Health (right). Read Sara Aton “Featured scientist” profile. We thank again our Executive Committee former members for their important contributions to the Center’s…
Our 5th Annual Symposium will take place Thursday and Friday, March 25th and 26th, 2021, 11:00–2:30 EST. VIRTUAL and NOT RECORDED, free and open to all – registration required. RNA research shapes revolutionary scientific paths, from fundamental science discoveries in the labs to powerful biomedical applications for patients. The rapid rise of RNA-guided genome…
Zhonggang Hou, Ph.D. Research Investigator Biological Chemistry Medical School Yan Zhang lab CRISPR-Cas is a very diverse adaptive immune system found in bacteria and archaea. It uses a small RNA as guide to find and destroy its target. It has revolutionized the field of genome engineering once adapted as tools for use in Eukaryotes. However,…
Welcome to our 2019–2020 new members, Dr. Analisa DiFeo, Ph.D., and Dr. Joshi Alumkal, M.D.! In this video (5′ 28″), they present their main research topic, respectively on ovarian cancer and prostate cancer, as well as their motivation and interests in RNA research.
An interview with Peter Todd, M.D, Ph.D., Neurology, Medical School, University of Michigan (U-M), and member of the Executive Committee of the U-M Center for RNA Biomedicine Dr. Todd will serve as co-director of a Fragile X Center without walls with investigators at U-M, Baylor College of Medicine, and Emory University. This Fragile X Center…
Once again, the Nobel Prize recognizes the most revolutionary and innovative scientific discoveries that have the highest potential to transform humankind. Drs. Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, both biochemists, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020 “for the development of a method for genome editing,” known as CRISPR. This RNA-guided tool allows to change…
Kristin Koutmou Assistant Professor Chemistry, College of LSA Website: koutmoulab.com Twitter: @KoutmouLab Cells face the daunting challenge of synthesizing the correct number of proteins at the right time with high fidelity. My lab studies how cells control the process of protein synthesis by the ribosome. We are developing and implementing analytical, biochemical, and biophysical approaches…
Maria G. Castro, Ph.D. Professor, Neurosurgery and Cell and Developmental Biology Medical School Tweeter: @castro2355_mg Research Gate: Maria G. Castro LinkedIn Lab Website Google Scholar: Maria G Castro Dr Castro’s research program focuses on epigenetic regulation of brain cancer progression, uncovering the role of oncometabolites in the tumor microenvironment. Her program also aims to develop immunotherapies…
Daniel Wilinski, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow; Principal Investigator/Faculty Dr. Monica Dus Department Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology College of LSA My research is aimed at understanding how metabolism modulates the control of brain RNAs. Currently, I am investigating how dietary sugar impacts dynamic neuronal RNA modifications which are necessary to maintain proper glucose homeostasis. NIH National…
Patricia Wittkopp, Ph.D. Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and Sally L. Allen Collegiate Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, College of LSA Lab Website Google Scholar My research aims to understand the genetic, molecular, and evolutionary mechanisms responsible for phenotypic differences within and between species. Changes in gene expression are…
RNA Translated’s main focus is on “2020, the year of the RNA viruses,” with representative contributions from 10 RNA faculty members. We also feature our two Research Cores and broadly report on the Center’s activity with a few highlights. With this publication, we aim to showcase the outstanding achievements and deep impact of the scientific collaborations…
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On the occasion of the National Postdoc Appreciation Week, September 21st–25th, the University of Michigan (U-M) Center for RNA Biomedicine’s community warmly thanks UM’s postdocs for their tremendous contributions to the field of RNA research and to the life of our scientific community. According to the U-M Postdoctoral Association (UMPDA), an estimated 1,400 to 1,600…
Dear Colleagues, While the COVID-19 pandemic has been causing major disruptions as well as many inconveniences, it also offers some new opportunities; perhaps now is the most opportune time to make new interpersonal connections, start new scientific collaborations, and broaden one’s horizons by learning from others. Through our activities below, we aim to support the…
Sami Barmada, M.D., Ph.D. Associate professor Neurology, Medical School Website What is the role of RNA in your research? RNA homeostasis is crucial for neuronal function and health. We study the regulation of RNA and protein homeostasis, and how abnormalities in these processes lead to neurodegenerative diseases. The image shows two neurons — the one…
Lydia Freddolino, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Biological Chemistry, Medical School Lab website Google scholar profile In general, I’m interested in how and why bacteria make decisions. We have a love/hate relationship with bacteria: half the time we want them to make things for us, the other half, we want to kill them. Knowing how the regulatory…
Four Associate Professors and one Professor! The Board of Regents of May 21st, 2020, approved recommendations for new appointments and promotions for regular associate and full professor ranks of the University of Michigan. The following Center for RNA Biomedicine’s members were further appointed: Sami J. Barmada, associate professor of neurology, with tenure, Medical School…
