Sensory neurons are highly polarized cells with axons extending for a large distance. Maintaining and restoring axonal integrity is crucial to prevent nerve degeneration and for regeneration after nerve damage. With the nucleus and cell body far away, how do sensory neurons maintain axonal integrity? In our lab, we use omics and computational approaches to study how axons communicate with the soma and with neighboring cells. We are particularly interested in understanding how RNA transport occurs and identifying the RNAs that localize to distal axons.
Axonal Transport
The Tavares lab focuses on messenger RNA (mRNA) transport, particularly on two key components: 1) mRNA motifs, typically found in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and 2) RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that recognize these motifs. Our interest lies in defining the RBPs and RNA binding motifs regulating mRNA transport in human nerves.
RNA Regulation
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to target mRNAs, either promoting their degradation or inhibiting their translation. Recent studies have also shown that miRNAs play a role in mRNA sub-cellular organization. We are interested in characterizing miRNA function in sensory neurons.
Experimental and Computational Approaches
Multi-Omics
The Tavares lab uses high throughput omics technologies to study peripheral nerves. We are particularly interested in using single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing technologies to profile the cell types and transcriptome of peripheral nerves.
We will use cross-linking immunoprecipitation (CLIP) to identify the sites bound by specific RBPs in human nerves.
Computational Approaches
We are dedicated to improving algorithms for the analysis of omics data. This involves using and developing tools for the integration of single-cell and spatial data from different conditions and species and modeling the specificity of RNA-protein interactions. We are also interested in developing and applying machine learning to transcriptomic data and image analysis.
Funding: National Institutes of Health (NIH)