Grant: Operating Grant

Within almost every cell of our body is a compartment called the nucleus that carries our genetic information in the form of DNA. The nucleus protects and organizes this material, so that it can be used throughout our life to instruct the growth and function of all of our body's cells. The information stored in DNA is shared by copying it in to another material called RNA. RNA carries the gentic information to the rest of the cell, but to perform this task the RNA must first escape the nucleus. This is made possible by large protein assemblies, termed nuclear pore complexes, which act as "gateways" between the nucleus and the rest of the cell. It is known that mutations affecting these gateways and the RNA transport process are associated with multiple human diseases. However, the defects that result from these mutations and subsequently cause these various diseases remain unknown. In this research proposal our work aims to better understand the RNA transport process. Our goal being new knowledge that can provide a foundation for improved understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of human disease caused by defects in RNA transport.