Description: A central theme of this volume is the dynamic relationship between RNA structure, RNA-binding proteins, and cellular organization. The chapters integrate experimental, computational, biochemical, biophysical, imaging, and systems-level approaches to investigate how RNA-protein interactions regulate RNA processing, translation, localization, stability, phase separation, and cellular stress responses. As Volume 746 of the Methods in Enzymology series, the volume emphasizes the integration of methodological innovation with biological applications, providing researchers with practical approaches to dissect how RNA-protein interactions govern RNA fate and function, biomolecular condensate formation, and stress granule assembly.
Overall, this collection highlights the transition of RNA biology from a primarily sequence-centered discipline toward a more dynamic view in which RNA structure, molecular interactions, phase separation, cellular organization, and signaling are intimately connected. It will therefore be a valuable resource for researchers and students seeking both practical methodologies and mechanistic insights into the rapidly expanding field of RNA biology.Brief description:
After completing studies for the A.B., A.M., and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry at Harvard University, David W. Christianson joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, where he is currently the Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Chemistry and Chemical Biology. At Penn, Christianson's research focuses on the structural and chemical biology of the zinc-dependent histone deacetylases as well as enzymes of terpene biosynthesis. His research accomplishments have been recognized by several awards, including the Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry and the Repligen Award in Chemistry of Biological Processes from the American Chemical Society, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Elizabeth S. and Richard M. Cashin Fellowship from the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. Christianson is also a dedicated classroom teacher, and his accomplishments in this regard have been recognized by the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching at Penn and a Rhodes Trust Inspirational Educator Award from Oxford University. Christianson has also held visiting professorships in the Department of Biochemistry at Cambridge University and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University. Christianson has served with Prof. Anna Pyle as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Methods in Enzymology since 2015.