ULethbridge researchers help determine 3-D structure of an important human RNA

caroline.zentner — Thu, 26 May 2022 15:40:11 +0000

A collaboration between a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate student, two highly specialized ULethbridge research labs and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Vienna has determined the three-dimensional structure of a specific long noncoding RNA molecule involved in cancer suppression and gene regulation.

Their study, led by Michael D’Souza, a graduate student, was recently published in Nucleic Acids Research and establishes a framework for identifying the overall structure of the molecule — a key brick in building the foundation of knowledge toward suppressing cancer and possible treatments.

Understanding the function of RNA begins with determining its molecular structure. Researchers at ULethbridge’s Laboratory of Medicinal Biophysics recently visualized the long noncoding RNA known as Long Intergenic Noncoding RNA-p21 (LincRNA-p21).

Dr. Trushar Patel and his team in the medicinal biophysics lab helped visualize the RNA molecule.

RNA is a multifaceted molecule present in all living cells that performs many functions, including the coding and expression of genes into functional proteins. More than 98 per cent of the human genome also transcribes noncoding RNA that is involved in regulating gene expression, especially genes involved in cancer suppression and other diseases.

The structure of these noncoding RNAs is generally unknown and researchers don’t know how these RNAs fold in three-dimensional space or how they communicate with proteins to perform essential functions.

The team applied analytical ultracentrifugation, in collaboration with ULethbridge’s Dr. Borries Demeler, and light-scattering methods to ensure the purity of the LincRNA-p21. Using X-ray scattering techniques, Dr. Trushar Patel, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Canada Research Chair, and his team have determined the overall three-dimensional structure for parts of LincRNA-p21. In collaboration with Dr. Michael Wolfinger from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Vienna, the team also helped produce high-resolution models which show how these noncoding RNAs could fold in the human body.

“The noncoding RNA we examined is linked to genes that are observed to be regularly mutated in cancer cells,” says Patel. “By identifying their overall structure, and how specific structural elements affect and interact with cellular targets, researchers are working to build a foundation of knowledge toward cancer suppression and likely treatments.”

Because of technological limitations and the flexibility and fragility of human noncoding RNAs, the researchers developed a multi-pronged approach that used different techniques, such as biophysical and computational methods, to help determine the three-dimensional structure.

“Our work provides a framework for an integrated approach that can be used to streamline structure determination of other human RNAs,” says Patel.

U of L forges partnership with the South Alberta Light Horse reserve unit

caroline.zentner — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:16:50 +0000

Being a master of science student in Dr. Trushar Patel’s (Chemistry & Biochemistry) lab at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge put Sergeant Michael D’Souza in the perfect position to create a new collaboration between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the Canadian Armed Forces.

D’Souza is a member of the Primary Reserves and part of South Alberta Light Horse (SALH), an armoured reconnaissance regiment tasked with the detection, identification and management of biochemical and nuclear weapon threats in conjunction with regular forces.

Members of the SALH surveyed areas for potential hazards during a recent training exercise.

At a recent training exercise at the Kipp Rifle Range, several U of L researchers and officials were invited to watch the troops as they surveyed potential areas of exposure to hazards like nerve and blister chemical agents, biological pathogens and nuclear contamination. The purpose of the training was to qualify soldiers on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense. Part of the exercise involved a test where soldiers worked with CS gas, a major component of tear gas.

“This training was designed to demonstrate the types of missions and challenges soldiers face in the field and how academic institutions can partner with Canadian Armed Forces units to target defense research to improve the conditions of operations and detection of hazards,” says D’Souza.

Discussions during the training exercise focused on creating research opportunities and support systems for students considering joining the Canadian Armed Forces or those who are already part of the reserves.

“Connecting with the SALH helps us understand the needs and requirements of the armed forces and that enables us to better serve them through education and training,” says Patel. “The U of L can link soldiers’ theoretical understanding of biological, chemical and nuclear threats to their tasks in hazardous environments.”

“This is an excellent opportunity for the U of L to develop research and training partnerships that will impact the armed forces through capacity development and training related to emerging biodefense threats,” added Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. “In addition to enabling collaborative research projects and sharing of expertise, training partnerships like this are key to unlocking unique career paths, work-integrated learning opportunities and job placements.”

D’Souza, who joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2010 when he started his undergraduate studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary, participated in the Paid Education Program, which financed his education. He also gained valuable experience.

“The Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserves is an exceptional career opportunity for students interested in connecting their education to either the civil service or the armed forces, while learning new skills,” says D’Souza. “With continuous employment and numerous funding opportunities, being part of the armed forces can take students places, even if they stay in for just their undergraduate program or many years after.”

Collaborations like that between the U of L and South Alberta Light Horse ultimately benefit students and give them skills that will serve them throughout their working lives.

“Experiential learning opportunities like these are essential for students, who benefit personally, professionally and academically, in the future,” says Kathleen Massey, associate vice-president (students). “The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s new Career Bridge: Centre for Work Integrated Learning and Career Development is the ideal place to help students make these important connections.”

UNews - Michael D'Souza

ULethbridge researchers help determine 3-D structure of an important human RNA

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U of L forges partnership with the South Alberta Light Horse reserve unit

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