Past Research Overview: My curiosity for RNA research was born in Dr. Seshadri’ lab at National Centre for Cell Science, which started with understanding translation regulation using in vitro transcribed mRNA. We were addressing the role of synergistic mRNA 5’cap (m7GpppN) and 3’ poly(A) interactions and translation regulation.  Later, I moved to Prof. Schoernberg’ lab at The Ohio State University, Columbus for my postdoctoral research. There, I worked simultaneously on several RNA related projects that includes the mechanism of cytoplasmic mRNA capping and identification of the human homolog of Xenopus PMR1 (Polysomal Ribonuclease) and its interacting partners on the translating polysomes.

Current Research at NCBS: RNA granules are dynamic, cytoplasmic mRNP (RiboNucleoProtein) assemblies that provide microdomains for intracellular mRNA regulation. RNA granules provide local translational control that contributes to cellular asymmetry in neurons, where subsets of synapses made by a single cell can be independently regulated through local mRNA translation during the consolidation of long-term synaptic plasticity and memory.  I am using Atx2, Caprin and RNPA2B1 as candidate neuronal RNP granule proteins in Drosophila to address questions like, how do these prion-domain proteins differentially contribute to RNA granule assembly and local translational regulation? Do they define different mRNP assemblies potentially sensitive to different forms of synaptic stimulation? Do they have some shared functions?