| 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
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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University of Nevada
Biology Department m/s 314
Reno, NV 89557
email Dr. Ellen Baker
Office phone
775-784-6679
FAX number
775-784-1302
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