Toor Lab
Principal Investigator: Navtej Singh Toor
Institution: University of California San Diego (La Jolla, CA)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: Inquire for rotation/fellowship opportunities
Research Focus
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT RNA structure is involved in all aspects of the central dogma of molecular biology. However, there are relatively few unique RNA structures determined at high resolution that would give detailed insight into functional mechanisms. We are focused on studying RNA structure/function relationships via two major themes: Theme #1: Determine the architectures of protein-free non-coding RNAs at high resolution to gain insight into in vivo function. Cryo-EM of protein-free RNAs is difficult with only a handful of structures determined to better than 4 angstroms. We have developed a scaffolding methodology that enables us to determine cryo-EM structures of protein-free RNAs to 2.5 angstroms resolution routinely. This now enables us to delineate precise structure function relationships at the individual nucleotide level for non-coding RNAs. Using this pipeline, we are targeting bacterial and human non-coding RNAs that have significant biological impacts. A bacterial non-coding RNA known as raiA is necessary for sporulation and biofilm formation. We are using structural biology, in vitro biochemistry, and in vivo biology to interrogate its involvement in these processe…
Active NIH Awards
- 2R35GM141706-06: High Resolution Structure Determination of Non-Coding RNAs to Reveal Functional Mechanisms (2026)
- 5R35GM141706-05: Structural Biology of Retrotransposition and pre-mRNA Splicing (2025)
- 3R35GM141706-04S1: Structural Biology of Retrotransposition and pre-mRNA Splicing (2024)
- 5R35GM141706-04: Structural Biology of Retrotransposition and pre-mRNA Splicing (2024)
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