Projects:

   I am investigating determinants of tmRNA stability in C. crescentus. tmRNA is degraded in stalked cells by RNase R, a 3’-5’ exoribonuclease that recognizes the non-tRNA-like 3’ end of tmRNA. During the rest of the cell cycle, tmRNA is protected from RNase R by binding to SmpB. By examining the ability of tmRNA variants to bind SmpB and be degraded by RNase R in vitro, I hope to understand how tmRNA interacts with these crucial proteins, and how tmRNA degradation is regulated with respect to the cell cycle.

Publications:

1. •Hong S-J, Lessner FH, Mahen EM, and Keiler KC (2007) “Proteomic identification of tmRNA substrates.” PNAS 104: 17128-33.