University of Nevada

Biology Department

Dr. Ellen Baker Associate Professor Cell and molecular biology, gene expression, regulation of messenger RNA stability and translation.

Contents

• Biographical Information
• Current Projects
• Contact Information

Biographical Information

Hunter College of the City University of New York, NY
1975, B.A. Biology

Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
1983, Ph.D. Biology

Yale University, New Haven,CT
1983-1987, Post Doctoral Training

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Current Projects

Research

Research in this laboratory focuses on the control of messenger RNA stability and translation. Control of gene expression is often exerted post-transcriptional steps: different mRNAs exhibit dramatic differences in their degradation rate and/or translational abilities. The information for this control is encoded within the nucleotide sequences of the mRNAs themselves. We are engaged in identifying both the nucleotide signals that control these properties and the cytoplasmic proteins that interact with them in order to begin to understand how they function. We are particularly interested in the role of the poly(A) tail in regulating the stability and translational efficiency of different mRNAs.

We have two major projects at this time. Both utilize the unicellular flagellate Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model system. (1) One project exploits the ability of this organism to rapidly regenerate lost flagella. Flagellar amputation signals the mass production of mRNAs encoding the tubulins and other flagellar proteins. The induced mRNAs are selectively and rapidly destroyed, effectively returning the cells to their normal program of protein synthesis soon after regeneration is complete. We are investigating how this diverse set of mRNAs is recognized and targeted for rapid degradation, and the molecular pathway by which degradation occurs. (2) The second project involves the possible relationships among translation, deadenylation and stability for a very inefficiently translated and stable mRNA (RbcS2 mRNA). We are studying the effects of alterations in the nucleotide sequence of this mRNA on its translational and stability properties.

Selected Publications

Baker, E. (1997) mRNA polyadenylation: functional implications. Mod. Cell Biol. 17:85-104

Johnson, M., Baker, E., Colbert, J. and Green, P. (1998) Determinants of mRNA stability in plants. In "A Look Beyond Transcription: Mechanisms

Determining mRNA Stability and Translation in Plants." J. Bailey-Serres and D.R. Gallie (eds.) American Society of Plant Physiologists, Rockville, MD.

Gera, J. Baker, E. (1998) Deadenylation-dependent and -independent decay pathways for a1-tubulin mRNA in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Mol. Cell. Biol. 18: 1498-1505

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Contact Information

Street address
University of Nevada
Biology Department m/s 314
Reno, NV 89557

Electronic mail address
ejb@med.unr.edu

Web address
http://www.scsr.nevada.edu/~bioweb/lbaker.html

Office phone
775-784-6679

FAX number
775-784-1302

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University of Nevada, Reno