One of the most significant outcomes of our work has been the finding that nuclear pre-mRNA splicing influences cytoplasmic mRNA translation by influencing mRNP structure. We are now examining our hypothesis that these proteins are exported in association with mRNA to the cytoplasm, where they interact with and influence translating ribosomes. Our results will be useful when designing therapies that aim to abrogate NMD in order to abrogate the severity of nonsense-generated diseases Postdoctoral Position with Dr. Maquat Postdoctoral positions are available to study the mechanism by which nonsense codons elicit mRNA decay in mammalian cells. Nonsense codons, caused by either frameshift or nonsense mutations, are responsible for an estimated one-third of inherited genetic diseases. If the resulting premature termination of translation can be abrogated even slightly so as to increase the amount of full-length protein synthesized, then the abnormal phenotypes of many diseases can be abrogated.
Significant projects are available in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology.
Successful candidates will join a well-equipped group of interactive lab members with diverse backgrounds and expertise in newly remodeled labs. The University of Rochester is unique for its sizeable community of RNA researchers and its interest in clinical approaches to modify disease-associated gene expression by modifying RNA metabolism.