In Person at CNRIC: Hyperactivation of an RNA Binding Protein by Cancer-associated Mutations

About this Seminar

Abnormal transcriptomes are a hallmark of cancer and several RNA binding proteins have been identified in tumors to contain hotspot mutations. Dr. Dominguez and his team evaluated the consequences of colorectal adenocarcinoma-associated hotspot mutations in poly C binding protein 1 (PCBP1), a ubiquitous and highly expressed RBP, on RNA processing. Using a variety of biochemical, structural, and cell-based approaches the lab found that hotspot mutations in PCBP1 led to a hyperactivated state that enhanced RNA binding and regulation. Overall, the lab's work establishes molecular mechanisms and regulatory consequences of PCBP1 hyperactivation in colon cancer and is likely to have implications for other mutant RBPs.

Additional Details

This is a free event hosted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and co-sponsored by the institute's Cancer Research Center (DC). The Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series, which runs annually from September to May, has featured leading biomedical researchers from throughout the country since the program began in 2012. The lectures are also open to all members of the Virginia Tech community including graduate students, undergraduates, faculty, and staff, as well as the public.

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