mRNAs in eukaryotic cells always associate with a set of proteins to form mRNP (messenger ribonucleoprotein) complexes. Cytoplasmic fate of an mRNA is regulated by a set of proteins and/or microRNAs associating with it. The formation and changes in the structural organization of mRNPs have an impact on gene expression. We study structure and function of mRNPs in the following aspects.
1. Molecular mechanism of maternal mRNA storage of Xenopus oocytes.
2. Identification and functional analysis of mRNP components in Xenopus oocytes and human cultured cells.
3. Molecular mechanisms with which mRNP granules are assembled or disassembled.
4. Mechanisms of mRNP remodeling.