We draw upon diverse techniques, including protein engineering, biochemical reconstitution, genomics,
cell-based experiments and CRISPR-Cas to understand how RNA modifications work.




Decoding the functions of RNA modifications using synthetic RNA

While more than 150 RNA modifications have been discovered to date, their physiological functions remain largely unknown. We are developing CRISPR-based technologies to synthesize mRNA with modifications at defined locations. These 'designer' RNAs will enable the mechanistic dissection of when, where, and how RNA modifications function. We use mammalian cells as the testbed for these synthetic modified RNAs.




Uncovering the biology of RNA modifications in zebrafish

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation plays essential roles in RNA metabolism. In collaboration with Caroline Wee's lab, we use zebrafish as a model system to understand the biological functions of m6A throughout development. The zebrafish system boasts numerous advantages, including a plethora of genetic tools for generating cell-type specific perturbations. Importantly, the fully transparent embryos and larvae allow embryogenesis to be visualized with unprecedented resolution.