The Rymond lab studies show how genetic information is processed within a cell from large and complex genes into the small and defined mRNA molecules used for protein synthesis.  This specific biochemical step under investigation, called mRNA splicing, is accomplished by a multi-subunit enzyme called the spliceosome. 

In this paper, “Inhibition of a spliceosome turnover pathway suppresses splicing defects,” Brian Rymond and his co-workers provide evidence that, in addition to directing the synthesis of properly processed mRNA, yeast cells have the ability to recognize and dissociate improperly assembled spliceosomes.  This surveillance activity is proposed to help prevent potentially fatal mistakes that might occur through inappropriate mRNA splicing. Equivalent genes are present in humans and likely function similarly. This work has significant mechanistic implications for our understanding of the splicing process and adds insight into how genetic information is faithfully processed in nature.

Brian Rymond is a biology professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky. He holds a doctorate from the State University of New York at Albany. His research applies genetic and proteomic approaches to investigate the basic biochemical pathways conserved through evolutionary history.