How do animals make, use, and destroy small RNAs?

In eukaryotes, small (18–33 nt) RNAs direct Argonaute proteins to silence complementary RNA targets. Different classes of small RNAs regulate host gene expression, fight viral infections, and silence transposons. We use biochemistry and genetics in mice and flies to understand the biological roles of gene regulation by small RNAs.

Mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene regulation

We apply quantitative approaches to define the molecular mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene regulatory processes. Our lab uses spermatogenesis as a model for cell differentiation in animals. We combine mouse genetics with metabolic labeling and ribosome profiling to establish how regulation of mRNA turnover and translation define gene expression programs.

Gainetdinov Lab

How do animals make, use, and destroy small RNAs?

Mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene regulation