Eukaryotic Gene Expression and Regulation
Deciphering transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory networks in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe: Proper regulation of gene expression in all cell types in response to external conditions is fundamental for normal growth and development. Aberrant gene expression as a result of dysregulation is a major cause of numerous complex diseases. Gene expression is controlled at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level by specialized nucleic acid-binding proteins that regulate mRNA synthesis, stability, localization and translation. Our lab is currently working on two distinct research projects utilizing molecular genetics and functional genomic approaches to better understand transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation in the fission yeast model system. Project 1 aims to decipher the transcriptional-regulatory network in this organism by the identification of signaling pathways and target genes of transcription factors. Project 2 focuses on the functional characterization of the Pumilio family of posttranscriptional-regulatory proteins by identification of its target mRNAs and interacting proteins. We are specifically investigating the network interactions between transcription factors/Pumilio proteins and their targets that regulate flocculation and the cell cycle in fission yeast.