Research

Rapid mRNA degradation and mice with conditional ferritin H deletion
About 5 percent of all human genes produce mRNA that is unstable. We study how specific sequences in unstable mRNAs are recognized by nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins and how this initiates rapid mRNA degradation. We have notably studied IL‑6, c‑myc and cyclin mRNAs. We also have constructed a mouse strain to learn about physiological consequences of a conditional deletion of the ferritin H gene. Ferritin stores iron and protects cells from the formation of hydroxyl radicals, potentially oncogenic compounds that modify nucleotides in DNA.

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