Prof Neva Caliskan

Our research and approach

The research group led by Neva Caliskan investigated functions and dynamics of RNA molecules in non-canonical translation events, which can affect the interplay between the host and pathogen during infection. Ultimately, they sought to illuminate therapeutic RNA-protein complexes as novel targets to combat infections.

Viruses and cellular genes encode RNAs that can be read in alternative ways during translation, which is called recoding. However, how exactly recoding is regulated by host encoded factors remains elusive. Here, a detailed understanding of recoding and its regulation can open doors for the development of novel RNA-based therapeutic interventions to combat infections.

Neva Caliskan’s group investigated the functions and dynamics of RNA molecules and their interplay with trans-acting factors involved in recoding events. They worked with several viruses known to depend on recoding strategies for replication including corona and retroviruses, and developed methods to investigate RNA complexes and translation in unprecedented detail.

The group employed a highly interdisciplinary toolset including RNA-antisense purification and mass spectrometry to identify RNA-interaction partners, and cellular assays to investigate molecular details. Ensemble and single molecule assays such as optical tweezers are key to study the dynamics of RNA complexes. Ultimately, they aimed to understand how RNA-structure elements act in concert with other factors in the cell to modulate the way mRNA messages are read by ribosomes during infections to advance RNA-based therapeutics.

Team members

Prof Neva Caliskan

Group Leader