Scientific Seminar: Erin Osborne-Nishimura, Ph.D.

Erin Osborne-Nishimura, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Colorado State University

The first few cell divisions in the nematode embryo are classic examples of asymmetric cell division. We characterized hundreds of mRNA molecules that are distributed unequally in asymmetric daughter cells. Surprisingly, we have discovered that many of these mRNA molecules have distinct sub-cellular localization patterns, as well. We have started to characterize the mechanisms of sub-cellular mRNA localization by examining the roles of  3’UTRs, of RNA binding proteins, and of different classes of RNP granules. Our findings are leading us to the overarching theme that translational control, mRNA localization, and cell differentiation are all closely linked.

Support for this seminar is provided by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P20GM103423.