Research Field
Catalysts & Scaffolds
Catalytic and scaffolding nucleic acids organize molecular assemblies and enable diverse cellular functions.
Description
RNA molecules can act not only as carriers of genetic information but also as catalysts and structural scaffolds. This research area investigates how these functions emerged, diversified, and contribute to cellular regulation. A central focus is the discovery and characterization of catalytic RNAs, including previously unknown ribozymes, to understand their activities, evolutionary origins, and interactions with molecular cofactors.
The research also examines how RNA structures organize macromolecular assemblies and influence cellular processes. Particular attention is given to RNA scaffolds that regulate translation, alter ribosome-associated signaling pathways, and contribute to the formation of molecular complexes and condensates. By studying diverse RNA classes, including coding and non-coding RNAs, the project seeks to uncover the principles governing RNA-mediated organization of biological systems. It further investigates how viral and disease-associated factors influence the catalytic and scaffolding functions of RNA and their roles in regulating cellular activity.
