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RNA Metabolism (ARN)

Faculty of Sciences | Molecular Biology

(Code: ULB628)


Person in charge of the unit : LAFONTAINE Denis.

RNA is central stage in gene expression. The 'RNA Metabolism' Lab is trying to understand why all cellular RNAs are working in very close association with
proteins within so-called RiboNucleoProtein particles or RNPs. My Lab is interested both in the modes of synthesis and function(s) of the RNPs under normal
and disease situations. Defects in the synthesis and/or function(s) of the RNPs irremediably lead to severe human auto-immune and genetic diseases. Our
fundamental research therefore has clear biomedical implications. One of our our major experimental paradigm is Eukaryotic Ribosome. These large RNPs are
mostly synthesized within a specialized subcellular compartment: the nucleolus. Nucleolar morphogenesis is therefore also of great interest to the Lab.
Nucleolar function provide an excellent readout for the overall cellular activity and cancer cells specifically over express nucleolar proteins which are thus
potent markers for diagnosis and prognosis. Our research also focuses on these nucleolar proteins.

Campus : Campus de Charleroi
Location : Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires
Address : CP300 Gosselies
Phone number : +32-2-650.97.71
Fax : +32-2-650.97.47
E-mail : denis.lafontaine@ulb.be
Web site : http://www.ulb.ac.be/sciences/rna


Disciplines CRef :


 • Biomedical sciences

 • Cell biology

 • Molecular biology

 • Nucleic acids, protein synthesis