Barbee, Scott - University of Denver - Department of Biological Sciences

个人简介

1994 B.S., Biology - Saint Mary College - Leavenworth, KS 1998 M.S., Zoology and Physiology - University of Wyoming - Laramie, WY 2004 Ph.D., Cell and Developmental Biology - Univ of Colo Sch of Medicine - Denver, CO

研究领域

查看导师新发文章（温馨提示：请注意重名现象，建议点开原文通过作者单位确认）

New evidence suggests that mRNA localization prior to translation is a major mechanism for controlling virtually all aspects of cellular structure and function (Lecuyer et al., 2007). How are mRNAs transported to sites of local translation? What key factors are involved in translational repression during transport? What local signals are required to relieve this repression? Using a variety of model systems, it has been established that mRNAs are regulated by sequence motifs within specific mRNAs acting in concert with RNA binding proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs). Furthermore, it is now widely accepted that these processes require the formation and function of larger, highly conserved, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles. While much progress has been made, what remains unknown is precisely how most mRNAs are locally controlled by these RNP- and miRNA-mediated regulatory pathways. My research examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying temporal and spatial mRNA regulation using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. My lab is currently focusing on two mechanistically related problems. My primary research project explores functions for neuronal RNPs ("neuronal granules") and miRNAs in the regulation of local mRNA translation and synaptic plasticity. Together, components of these particles determine whether synapse-localized mRNAs are transported to a specific location (e.g. the synapse), locally translated, or targeted for storage and/or degradation. I am particularly interested in the development of fluorescent reporters to study these processes in real-time within living neurons. My secondary research project investigates functions for local, co-translational, mRNA decay in the regulation of plasticity processes. Techniques used in my lab include confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and molecular genetics. The rationale behind this work is based on a significant body of evidence indicating that mRNA regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved across phyla. Therefore, by gaining an understanding of these processes in Drosophila, we will be better capable of developing testing and/or treatments for common problems in humans associated with defects in synaptic plasticity (e.g. dementia, Alzheimer's disease, mental retardation, addiction, mental disease).