Sunghoon Kim, PhD
Professor and Director, Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Korea
Friday, November 3, 2017 - 11:00am
CCBR Red Room
Invited Speaker Seminar
Abstract:
Genetic information is translated to protein via (the 1st) genetic code that matches 64 of triplet bases with 20 amino acids. Since aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) and tRNAs are the two main players in decoding genetic information to proteins, the accurate recognition between these two gene decoders is crucial for the fidelity of translation process. For this reason, the specific way how ARSs recognize their cognate tRNAs is called “the 2nd genetic code”. More recently, unexpected new functions of ARSs and tRNAs are rapidly being unveiled outside of protein synthesis. These new functions are more diverse and significant in higher order organisms such as human. Besides, these functions appear to be finely regulated through multiple mechanisms. This lecture would address the functional expansion and regulation of ARSs beyond protein synthesis and their implications in understanding and treating human diseases.
Host:
Philip M. Kim, Associate Professor, The Donnelly Centre, Department of Computer Science, Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto
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