Coupling of transcription with other cellular processes 

Transcription is the first step of gene expression and it is tightly coupled to the next step. In bacteria, coupling of transcription to translation is essential for survival and virulence, and thus could be a target for antibiotics. In eukaryotes, coupling of transcription and splicing is critical for development and differentiation, and dysregulation of coupling may cause serious diseases. Molecular mechanisms of coupling of these important processes are currently beyond reach due to the absence of tractable experimental systems.

We have developed an in vitro system for studying transcription-translation coupling and we are reconstituting the first in vitro coupled transcription-splicing system. We will use these experimental systems along with next generation sequencing and structural techniques to reveal the details of cross-talk and mutual regulation between these fundamental processes. 

The results of this study will help us understand transcription-translation and transcription-splicing coupling in more mechanistic and global terms. It will also provide information on new antibiotic targets and mechanisms of disease.