Kebaara Lab

Studying regulation of gene expression at the mRNA level

 

Our lab studies how gene expression is regulated at the mRNA level via Nonsense-Mediated Decay.  Read below to learn more about our lab.

Research Focus

Our research interests include the regulation of gene expression, specifically RNA biology. We are interested in understanding the recognition and targeting of natural mRNAs by the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. The nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway (NMD) is an evolutionarily conserved mRNA surveillance pathway that contributes to the recognition and rapid degradation of mRNA with premature stop codons, thus preventing the accumulation of potentially harmful truncated proteins. This pathway also recognizes and degrades some natural physiological mRNAs. Natural mRNAs degraded by the nonsense mediated mRNA decay pathway have been identified in eukaryotes ranging from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), to insects (Drosophila melanogaster), plants (Arabidopsis) and humans. Our goal is to understand the recognition and targeting of natural mRNAs for NMD-mediated degradation, and understand the physiological consequences that are brought about by the degradation of specific mRNAs in the model organism S. cerevisiae.

current Research

Our lab focuses on studying nonsense-mediated decay in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast.  Click on the link below to learn more about our ongoing research.

Meet our team

At Baylor University, the Kebaara Lab consists of both undergraduate and graduate students working on a variety of projects.  Click below to learn more about the people behind the research in our lab.

Interested in joining our lab team? Click below to read our resources for prospective members.

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