2014 participants
Connor Rogerson
RNAs are synthesized as precursors transcripts that are processed to mature forms. Enzymes participating in processing are also part of the RNA surveillance machinery, which removes unwanted RNA. We studied the effects of removing surveillance factors from yeast on one substrate, the signal recognition particle (SRP) RNA. This revealed, very surprisingly, that the surveillance factors play a positive role, protecting SRP RNA from aberrant processing. In this project, Connor Rogerson will expand our study to other RNAs, to examine whether or not the surveillance machinery provides a protective function to other RNAs.
Funding source: Newcastle University