Cal State Fullerton Students Uncover Groundbreaking Lab Secrets

Prof. Steve Bonilla’s Lab: RNA Structure and Viral Replication

At the forefront of RNA research, Professor Steve Bonilla’s lab at Rockefeller is delving into the intricate world of RNA three-dimensional (3D) structures and their critical role in viral replication. Bonilla’s work is pivotal in understanding how viruses leverage RNA 3D structures to facilitate replication, a process that is fundamental to their survival and propagation.

Using state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy, Bonilla’s team is uncovering the molecular mechanisms by which viruses recruit RNA-dependent RNA polymerases to their genomes. This sophisticated technique allows researchers to visualize RNA molecules in their natural state, providing a detailed map of their 3D structures. By understanding these structures, scientists can develop targeted interventions to disrupt viral replication, potentially leading to novel antiviral therapies.

Applications in Viral and Cellular RNA Biology

The implications of Bonilla’s research extend beyond viral replication to broader applications in viral and cellular RNA biology. His lab is developing methods to visualize RNA molecules that dynamically shift between multiple 3D structures. This dynamic nature is crucial for understanding how RNA functions in various biological processes, from gene expression to cellular signaling.

Bonilla’s work also involves predicting how RNA molecules respond to small-molecule binding and environmental changes. This predictive capability is essential for designing drugs that can modulate RNA function. For instance, by understanding how specific small molecules can bind to RNA and alter its structure, researchers can develop therapeutics that interrupt viral replication or correct genetic defects in cellular RNA.

Bonilla’s expertise in structural and computational biology is invaluable in this field. His PhD studies at Stanford University and postdoctoral training as an HHMI Hanna Gray Fellow at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle these complex research questions.

Prof. Elizabeth Campbell’s Lab: Microbial Pathogenesis and Drug Discovery

Professor Elizabeth Campbell, the newly appointed Corinne P. Greenberg Women & Science Professor at Rockefeller, is making significant strides in the field of microbial pathogenesis and drug discovery. Her lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2, with a particular emphasis on the biochemistry and structure of microbial transcription.

Research on Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis

Campbell’s research aims to understand how small-molecule drugs can effectively target the transcription processes in these pathogens. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms that enable Mycobacterium tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2 to infect and replicate within host cells, Campbell’s work paves the way for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular biology to unravel the complexities of microbial pathogenesis. This holistic approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of how these pathogens function at the molecular level, which is crucial for developing targeted treatments.

Implications for Small-Molecule Drug Development

The insights gained from Campbell’s research have profound implications for small-molecule drug development. By identifying key targets within the transcription machinery of these pathogens, researchers can design drugs that disrupt these processes without harming the host cells. This targeted approach is essential for developing effective and safe treatments for infectious diseases.

Campbell’s background, including her PhD and postdoctoral studies at Rockefeller and her tenure as a member of TPCB faculty member Seth Darst’s lab, has equipped her with the expertise needed to lead this groundbreaking research. Her advocacy for diversity in science and outstanding mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students has earned her the inaugural Inclusive Excellence Award from Rockefeller’s office of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion.

Student Achievements and Recognition

Christian Baca’s Research Recognition

TPCB student Christian Baca has been recognized for his exceptional research with an Honorable Mention for the 2024 International Birnstiel Awards for Doctoral Research in Molecular Life Sciences. This prestigious award celebrates the outstanding achievements of young scientists in the field of molecular life sciences and is sponsored by the Max Birnstiel Foundation and the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna, Austria.

Research on CRISPR-Cas Systems and Bacterial Defense Mechanisms

Baca’s thesis research, conducted under the supervision of Professor Luciano Marraffini at Rockefeller, focuses on the molecular systems that bacteria use to defend themselves against viral infections by bacteriophages. These systems, known as CRISPR-Cas, play a critical role in recognizing foreign nucleic acids and triggering an adaptive defense response in the cell.

In most cases, this defense response involves degrading the viral DNA or RNA. However, Baca’s groundbreaking work has revealed new mechanisms by which bacteria combat viruses by inducing the infected cell to sacrifice itself, thereby preventing viral propagation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and harnessing bacterial defense mechanisms to combat viral infections.

Baca’s research has been published in part in the journal Nature, highlighting the impact of his work in the scientific community. His collaboration with Dr. Puja Majumder, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of TPCB Emeritus Faculty Member Professor Dinshaw Patel, underscores the interdisciplinary nature of his research and the collaborative spirit within the scientific community.

TPCB Hosts 20th Annual Tri-I Chemical Biology Symposium

The annual Tri-Institutional Chemical Biology Symposium, hosted and organized by TPCB students, is a testament to the ongoing advancements and collaborative spirit within the field of chemical biology. This year’s event, held on August 14, 2024, on the Rockefeller University campus, brought together over 225 scientists to showcase the latest innovations and discoveries.

Overview of the Symposium and Its Significance

The symposium has been a cornerstone of the chemical biology community for two decades, providing a platform for researchers to share their findings and foster collaborations. This year’s event featured seminars by eminent guest faculty speakers, as well as several presentations by TPCB students, highlighting the next generation of scientific talent.

The symposium also included a vibrant poster session featuring over 60 contributions from across the community. These posters provided a snapshot of the diverse and cutting-edge research being conducted in the field, from viral replication to drug discovery, and from RNA biology to microbial pathogenesis.

Highlights from the Event

One of the key highlights of the symposium was the seminar by Professor Steve Bonilla, who shared his latest findings on RNA 3D structures and their role in viral replication. His presentation provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying viral replication and the potential for developing novel antiviral therapies.

Another notable session was led by Professor Elizabeth Campbell, who discussed her research on microbial pathogenesis and drug discovery. Her talk delved into the molecular mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the potential for targeted treatments that can disrupt the transcription processes in these pathogens.

The poster session was a vibrant showcase of student research, with presentations covering a wide range of topics. One standout poster was by Christian Baca, who presented his research on CRISPR-Cas systems and bacterial defense mechanisms. His work, which has been recognized with an Honorable Mention for the International Birnstiel Awards, highlighted the innovative approaches being pursued by young scientists in the field.

The 20th Annual Tri-I Chemical Biology Symposium was a resounding success, underscoring the collaborative and innovative spirit of the chemical biology community. As the field continues to evolve, events like this symposium play a crucial role in driving progress and fostering the next generation of scientific leaders.