Regulating with RNA

RNA Localization

Dynamic compartmentalization is fundamental to all living systems. Using single-molecule mRNA imaging and molecular tools, we map the subcellular localization of thousands of transcripts in bacteria. Our goal is to uncover the mechanisms of RNA targeting, its functional consequences, and its evolutionary dynamics.

Riboregulators

We study 5′UTR-encoded RNA elements that sense intracellular conditions and switch gene expression “on” or “off.” These elements allow an mRNA to autonomously regulate its own expression in response to metabolite levels, either through premature transcription termination or by modulating translation efficiency. Our goal is to discover and characterize novel regulators with potential applications in synthetic biology and therapeutic targeting.