Abstract:
We are interested in deciphering RNA-protein networks in cells, which are the result of interactions between RNA sequence/structural features and dynamic populations of RNA-binding proteins. These networks drive essential biological functions and are implicated in various diseases. To illuminate features that mediate the function and dysfunction of RNA molecules, we employ a suite of technologies known as mutational profiling (MaP) experiments. In MaP, reactive chemical probes mark RNA molecules where a measured event takes place, for example protein binding, RNA folding, or small molecule interaction. The locations of these marks on RNA can be encoded as “mutations” during reverse transcription and read out by massively parallel sequencing. The original native cellular context of the chemically probed RNA can be reconstructed from MaP sequencing computationally.

Using MaP technologies, we have defined features of RNA responsible for a variety of biology, including sequences and structures mediating RNA localization, assembly into complexes, and disease activity. We are further developing the technology for identification of RNA-binding protein interactions and small-molecule-interacting sites on RNAs transcriptome-wide.

By mapping the uncharted landscapes of RNA-protein networks, our research provides a foundation for understanding new RNA biology and for advancing RNA-targeted therapeutic interventions.

Bio:
Chase grew up in the Midwest, moving between suburbs of Milwaukee and Chicago. Chase’s parents work for a family business that sells materials storage and handling solutions for factories and warehouses around the Midwest (think forklifts and automated shelving). While Chase did have some odd jobs with the family business when he was younger, given the opportunity to pursue his own interests and inspired by a number of science teachers, Chase decided to pursue a degree in Biochemistry at the University of Rochester in New York.

There, Chase discovered a now long-time interest in RNA biology: Chase’s first research experience explored mechanisms of codon bias during mRNA translation in a yeast model with Beth Grayhack. Chase then pursued a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan, where he studied the mechanism of mRNA regulation by RNA-binding proteins in a Drosophila cell model with Aaron Goldstrohm. Chase then performed postdoctoral training in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina with Kevin Weeks, where Chase integrated chemical probing strategies and next-gen sequencing to study long noncoding RNAs in human biology and disease. After a short stint as a postdoc and staff scientist at Washington University in St. Louis pursuing proximity labeling proteomics technologies, Chase ultimately returned to the University of Michigan Department of Biological Chemistry as a Faculty Scholar of the Center for RNA Biomedicine and an Affiliate Faculty Member of the Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics. His lab is interested in how RNA-protein interaction networks govern biology and disease.

Throughout his career, Chase has had the support of NIH training grants during his Ph.D. and postdoctoral training, an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, an NCI K22 Career Transition Award, and is currently supported by an NIGMS R01. Among honors Chase has received, he is most proud of a recent student-nominated Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award given to him by the University of Michigan Cellular and Molecular Biology graduate program.