Event Description

Dr. Megerditch (Mike) Kiledjian will presenting a seminar entitled "mRNA Decapping & DeNADding in the Control of Gene Expression" Summary: Removal of the 5´-end 7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap is an important step in the ultimate demise of eukaryotic mRNAs and critical in the regulation of gene expression. We have demonstrated mammalian cells harbor multiple mRNA decapping enzymes that each target a subset of mRNAs involved in distinct cellular pathways. The physiological function of novel mRNA decapping enzymes in cellular processes including cell migration and cognition will be presented. Moreover, we identified the presence of a non-canonical 5´ end RNA cap consisting of the redox metabolite, Nicotinamide Adenine Diphosphate (NAD+) as an alternative cap in mammalian cells. The functional role of the NAD+-cap and the “deNADding” enzymes involved in its removal will be discussed.

Sponsored By

RNA Biology Laboratory