RNA processing and degradation

All living systems - cells or organisms - operate in and must adapt to constantly changing environments. RNA transcription, processing and assembly with protein complexes form the core of the gene expression system, but many key features remain unclear. At times, very substantial changes take place; for example, in response to sudden environmental changes, following infection or during developmental progression. To address unresolved questions in RNA biology, we developed biochemical techniques to identify key, relevant RNA-protein, RNA-RNA and protein-protein interactions. These will be improved and applied in the proposed work, supported by bioinformatics. RNA systems are highly conserved in evolution, so techniques developed in yeast can be adapted for human cells and applied to understand disease. RNA biology in a cellular context is subject to dynamic changes. Kinetic analyses will therefore be applied, particularly during changes in cell state. Specific topics: 1: How is the nascent RNA linked to transcription termination and RNA processing 2: How does RNA metabolism respond to environmental stress? 3: How is host RNA metabolism remodelled during Coronavirus infection? 4: What are the roles of ncRNAs in neuronal development? The insights generated, and the experimental and bioinformatics techniques developed, will underpin future work by many groups.