RNA helicase regulation of RNA metabolism and gene expression

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All organisms must be able to sense and respond to changes in their environment. Two of the most commonly experienced stresses are changes in light and temperature, factors that are crucial for the survival of photosynthetic organisms. In response to these stresses, cells must alter protein abundance in order to survive. Proteins are produced from RNA in a process that requires the RNA to be folded into the correct 3-D structure. RNA binding proteins, termed RNA helicases, facilitate RNA folding in all organisms. The purpose of our research is to determine how changes in the growth environment regulate RNA helicase accumulation and how helicases interact with RNA. To accomplish this, we are using the photosynthetic model system, cyanobacteria, a potentially important source of biofuels and medically active compounds. Cyanobacteria contain a single RNA helicase whose abundance is elevated at 20