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Yi Ren, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

Structural biology of mRNA nuclear export & viral exploitation

Research Keywords: mRNA nuclear export, virus-host interactions, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM

Research Specialty: Mechanisms and viral exploitation of mRNA nuclear export

Research Description:

All cellular life relies on the integrity of gene expression. Human cells carry more than 20,000 distinct mRNAs. Fully processed mRNAs in the nucleus are exported to the cytoplasm where protein translation occurs. This nuclear mRNA export process plays a key role in gene expression and can be a driver of various diseases when it is dysregulated, such as in cancer, neurological disorders, and viral infection.

The Ren Laboratory combines the power of structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to elucidate the mechanisms of mRNA nuclear export in health and in disease.

Current projects in the lab include:

  1. Identifying and characterizing the protein interaction network involved in mRNA nuclear export
  2. Characterizing the coordination of transcription, pre-mRNA processing, and mRNA nuclear export
  3. Understanding how Influenza A virus exploits the host mRNA export machinery to facilitate viral mRNA export
  4. Exploring how SARS-CoV-2 hijacks the host mRNA export machinery to inhibit host gene expression

The lab is part of the Center for Structural Biology, the Genome Maintenance Program within the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and the Department of Biochemistry.

SIGNIFICANCE

The nuclear export of mRNA is a fundamental requirement for gene expression in all eukaryotes, serving as the essential bridge between transcription in the nucleus and protein translation in the cytoplasm. Because this pathway is critical to nearly every cellular process, it is frequently targeted by viruses. Pathogens such as Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 hijack host mRNA export, effectively paralyzing the cell’s gene expression and suppressing the immune response. By deciphering the detailed mechanisms of this cellular machinery and understanding how viruses compromise it, our work lays the foundation for the development of novel antiviral therapeutics.

Postdoctoral Position Availability and Details: Postdoctoral positions are available in the areas of structural biology and RNA biology. Please email to inquire.

PubMed Listing of Dr. Ren’s Publication

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1Rwd1Mt3d8ukU/bibliography/public/