The research program of the lab involves understanding the fundamental structure and function relationships of RNases H with the long term goals of a) unmasking novel nucleic acid metabolic functions associated with the enzymes and b) understanding their placement in the replicative life cycle of the pathogenic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei. Trypanosomes are amongst the earliest branching eukaryotes and are the models in which RNA editing and trans-splicing were initially discovered. Accordingly, they are well suited for our studies.

Institutions

BU

Research Description

The research program of the lab involves understanding the fundamental structure and function relationships of RNases H with the long term goals of a) unmasking novel nucleic acid metabolic functions associated with the enzymes and b) understanding their placement in the replicative life cycle of the pathogenic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei. Trypanosomes are amongst the earliest branching eukaryotes and are the models in which RNA editing and trans-splicing were initially discovered. Accordingly, they are well suited for our studies.

Viral RNases H are also being evaluated as potential therapeutic targets, and our studies emphasize identifying RNase H mutations which may account for drug resistance during the course of drug treatment. RNases H are widely distributed nucleic acid metabolic enzymes which degrade the RNA strand of RNA:DNA heteroduplexes. They are also utilized by all biological systems. Our current models are excellent platforms from which to move and study these enzymes in related systems.

Funded Research

N/A

Courses Taught

• Biology of Emerging Microbial Diseases (BIO 54)