Seminar: Kate Meyer, PhD (Duke)

KATE MEYER, PHD ǀ Duke University School of Medicine                                                                   Host: Bill Marzluff

““Detecting RNA methylation and its role in gene expression”

Abstract: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a highly prevalent RNA modification which controls nearly every aspect of the mRNA life cycle. Recent improvements in m6A mapping methods have significantly advanced our understanding of m6A distribution and function in cells. However, current m6A detection strategies are antibody-based and suffer from several limitations, including the requirement of high amounts of input RNA which hinders detection of m6A sites in limited samples. To overcome this challenge, we have developed novel methods for global m6A detection which do not depend on m6A antibodies. We use these methods to identify methylated transcripts located at neuronal synapses and to better understand the contribution of m6A to local gene expression in neurons.