Center for RNA Molecular Biology
The RNA Center[1] is a free standing academic unit in the basic sciences at the Case School of Medicine. The Center was established in the mid-nineties in recognition of the strong cadre of research laboratories devoted to studying post-transcriptional mechanisms of gene expression focusing on various aspects of RNA Biology. The Center was created to facilitate communication between laboratories in multiple departments with a shared interest in RNA science and to encourage collaborative research. The success of the Center in these endeavors lead to its formal recognition as an independent unit in 2001. Its expanded charge was to recruit new investigators in existing and emerging areas of RNA biology while continuing to provide a fertile environment for collaborative research using shared expertise and resources. The Center also provides exceptional opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral training in an open and interactive setting.
One measure of the success of the Center is that it was ranked first in the nation in NIH funding in the category of Other Basic Sciences in 2004 when compared with peer departments at other medical schools.[2]
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[edit] Current Research
Why have a focus on RNA research? RNA impacts nearly every aspect of gene expression and it is now clear that the majority of human genetic diseases are caused by mistakes in RNA metabolism. Furthermore, RNA processing accounts for nearly all of the proteomic diversity in human cells; we have only ~30,000 genes yet produce many times that number of proteins. Moreover, it is clear that in addition to its fundamental roles in information transfer from DNA to protein, RNA molecules play crucial roles in gene regulation; approximately 10% of all of our genes are regulatory RNAs. Current research in the Center focuses on several of these problems ranging from extremely basic questions such as the mechanism of RNA catalysis and how proteins interact with RNA to the roles of RNA processing in disease. Specific research interests include splicing and its regulation, RNA editing, tRNA maturation, mechanisms of translation regulation, and RNA trafficking. As the Center continues to expand, we hope to recruit in new areas such as RNA interference and regulation of gene expression by microRNAs.
[edit] Faculty
Dr. Kristian E. Baker[3]
Dr. James P. Bruzik[4]
Dr. Mark G. Caprara[5]
Dr. Jeff Coller[6]
Dr. Pieter deHaseth[7]
Dr. Jonatha Gott[8]
Dr. Michael E. Harris[9]
Dr. Timothy W. Nilsen (Director)[10]
Dr. Saba Valadkhan[11]
[edit] Secondary Faculty
Dr. Erik D. Andrulis
Dr. Kwaku Dayie
Dr. Donna M. Driscoll
Dr. Maria Hatzoglou
Dr. Eckhard Jankowsky
Dr. Andrea Ladd
Dr. Hua Lou
Dr. A Gregory Matera
Dr. David McPheeters
Dr. Richard A. Padgett
Dr. Helen Salz
Dr. Alan Tartakoff
Dr. Michael Weiss
Dr. Jo Ann Wise
[edit] Graduate Studies in the RNA Center
The Center maintains a vibrant Ph.D. graduate program in conjunction with the Department of Biochemistry and with the Biomedical Sciences Training Program. We believe that the Center provides a unique environment for pursuing graduate work. Our combination of open laboratories and lab-specific space is designed to encourage free discussion and collaboration. Students have daily access to faculty with common interests and wide ranging expertise in most, if not all, modern molecular biological and biochemical approaches. This communication is enhanced by opportunities to discuss current research in open forums where all faculty and their labs attend. Furthermore, all of the faculty actively participate in introductory and advanced courses. The success of our training can be measured by the fact that several of our students now hold prestigious senior faculty positions at highly competitive universities and most of our graduates have been awarded prestigious postdoctoral fellowships.
Prospective students who wish to pursue their graduate studies in the RNA center are encouragend to apply via one of the following two paths:
Admission to the Ph.D program of the Department of Biochemistry[12]
Admission to the Ph.D. program of the Biomedical Sciences Training Program (BSTP)[13].
When submitting the application material, please indicate the intention to conduct graduate research at the RNA center.
Further questions regarding graduate studies at the RNA center should be directed to Professor Mark Caprara[14].
[edit] The RNA Journal
The RNA center is home to the RNA journal[15]
[edit] Seminar Schedule
Follow this link to see the current schedule for the departmental seminar series[16].
[edit] Contact Information
Center for RNA Molecular Biology
Case Western Reserve University
School of Medicine
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-4973
USA
Tel.: 216-368-1852
Fax: 216-368-2010
Administrative Manager Mark Beno
Tel.: 216-368-4946
Fax: 216-368-2010
Email: mxb15
Office: RT100-7
[edit] External Links
The RNA Center Home Page [17]