Damon Runyon Researchers

Dr. Goldman is using single-molecule imaging to monitor the quality control process for messenger RNA (mRNA) in real time in living cells. The ribosome decodes genetic information encoded in mRNA and synthesizes protein. In some cases, faulty mRNAs are produced—caused either by genetic mutations, errors in transcription or pathological states such as cancer. When the ribosome encounters a problematic mRNA, quality control pathways in the cell intervene to remove the ribosome from the mRNA, aborting translation. Although some basic aspects of these pathways are known, many details are not understood, including the overall timing, ordering of events and roles of multiple protein factors. Dr. Goldman’s studies will elucidate how cells deal with faulty mRNAs produced under both normal and pathological conditions.