SIVAKUMAR VADIVEL GNANASUNDRAM

Eukaryotic cells tightly regulate gene expression through diverse post-transcriptional mechanisms, which are essential for cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of gene expression is often linked to cellular stress and various diseases, including cancers. However, current understanding of the regulatory processes driving these alterations in gene expression, as well as their physiological functions, remains limited. Our research aims to study the molecular details of RNA-mediated gene regulation in these pathological contexts. Specifically, we investigate riboregulators, RNA-binding protein (RBP)-RNA interplays, cis-acting RNA elements and their roles in modulating cell signalling pathways and translational control. To address this, we employ an integrative approach combining computational analyses, biochemical and molecular techniques, and advanced in-cell RNA structure probing methods. The insights gained from our studies aim to uncover how post-transcriptional gene regulation can be targeted for therapeutic interventions in cancer and viral infections.