Mechanisms of RNA Biogenesis and Regulation in Fungi

We investigate the molecular principles of gene expression and regulation in Fungi, emphasizing the intricate mechanisms governing RNA synthesis, processing, transport, and degradation. RNA is pivotal in cellular information transfer, carrying genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis. Our focus is on understanding the dynamic interplay of different RNA processing machineries and revealing the key molecular transitions that control RNA production. To achieve this, we reconstitute individual RNA processing steps using purified proteins to explore detailed molecular-scale mechanisms. We utilize Saccharomyces cerevisiae to extend mechanistic studies to cellular-scale RNA production, unveiling conserved eukaryotic processing mechanisms. Our objective is to pinpoint fungal-specific gene expression pathways as potential targets for novel antifungal inhibitors. To achieve this, we broaden our investigations to include Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, two major fungal pathogens responsible for human diseases.