Formation of the RNA splicing machinery
Our goal is to understand how cells assemble ribonucleoprotein complexes (snRNPs) involved in RNA splicing. We study the biogenesis of snRNPs in a complex cellular environment, the role of cellular structures in this process, and the quality control mechanisms that distinguish between correctly folded and defective particles. We apply our findings to understand why mutations in snRNP proteins cause hereditary degeneration of the human retina.
Keywords
Organization of the cell nucleus / ribonucleoprotein complex / pre-mRNA splicing / membraneless organelle / Cajal body / snRNP dynamics / live cell imaging