Narrykim.org Website Review

RNAs play a pivotal role in development and pathology as they stand at the core of gene regulation. In Narry Kim’s lab, we work on microRNA, RNA modification and RNA-binding proteins to better understand RNA-mediated gene regulation. Applying biochemical and molecular biological tools, as well as genetic, biophysical, and computational approaches, we try to uncover the function and mechanism of RNAs and RNA-binding proteins in stem cells, cancer, neuronal system and viruses. MICRORNA: THE TINY REGULATORS WITH BIG ROLES microRNAs are small noncoding RNAs involved in virtually all functional aspects of cellular function and developmental control such as cell differentiation, proliferation, death, embryogenesis, energy metabolism, and antiviral defense. Tight control of microRNAs is critical for normal functioning of cells, and dysregulation of microRNAs is often responsible for various human diseases. In Narry Kim’s lab, we made significant contributions to the current understanding of how microRNAs are created and processed by elucidating the mechanism of microRNA biogenesis and identifying several key factors in the biogenesis pathway, including DROSHA. We have also been investigating the function and regulation of microRNAs in cancer and stem cells in hopes that our studies will provide new opportunities for cancer treatment and stem cell engineering. RNA MODIFICATION: SOMETIMES, A TAIL CAN WAG THE DOG RNA modifications at the 3’ end determine the function and fate of the RNA. Detecting and an*lyzing such modifications is thus crucial in our understanding of RNA-mediated gene regulation. Previously, we found that microRNAs are uridylated or adenylated at the 3’ end and that these the 3’ tails regulate the biogenesis and stability of the microRNAs. More recently, we developed a technique called TAIL-seq that allows the genomic scale investigation of mRNA tails. Using this new tool, we are studying the function of mRNA tails in the context of development and human diseases.