Wendy V. Gilbert, PhD
Professor of Molecular Biophysics and BiochemistryCards
About
Titles
Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
Biography
Wendy Gilbert is a Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. Her work focuses on regulatory elements in messenger RNA that control the cellular expression of the information stored in the genetic code. She earned her PhD at UCSF with Christine Guthrie, studying mRNA export and being fascinated by the exquisite mechanisms that couple export-competence to completion of RNA processing. As a postdoc in Jennifer Doudna’s lab at UC Berkeley, she uncovered a non-canonical mechanism of translation initiation. Her lab’s current work ranges widely across RNA biology with the unifying theme of elucidating the molecular mechanisms of RNA regulatory elements controlling mRNA biogenesis, translation and decay. Most recently, this has been in the area of RNA base modification. Notable awards include the RNA Society’s Early Career Award (2017) for her “paradigm-altering contributions to the field of post-transcriptional gene regulation” and the RNA Society Award for Excellence in Inclusive Leadership (2023) for her efforts to promote the training and professional development of underrepresented scientists.
Appointments
Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
ProfessorPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
- Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BQBS)
- Center for RNA Science and Medicine
- Green College Affiliates
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Development
- Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS)
Education & Training
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- UC Berkeley
- PhD
- UCSF, Biochemistry
- AB
- Princeton University, Molecular Biology
Research
Overview
Research in the Gilbert Lab ranges widely across RNA biology with the unifying theme of elucidating the molecular mechanisms of RNA regulatory elements controlling mRNA biogenesis, translation and decay. Most recently, this has been in the area of RNA base modification.
Landmark achievements of the Gilbert lab include:
- We were first to show that loss of any tRNA modification causes ribosomes to accumulate at specific codons in vivo.
- We revealed a specific function for the ribosomal protein RACK1 in enhancing translation from short mRNAs, which preferentially encode abundant proteins with essential functions. This discovery challenged the general model of mRNA circularization during initiation.
- Our work illuminated thousand-fold differences in the efficiency of translation that we showed are conferred by sequences in mRNA 5′-UTRs. We identified a novel class of translational enhancers that directly bind a core initiation factor, and proposed sequence-specific translational enhancers and silencers as a unifying model of translational control.
- We developed powerful sequencing approaches to study 5′-UTRs and RNA modifications.
- We mapped uncharted modified nucleosides and revealed pseudouridine, 2′-O-methyl ribose and, most recently, dihydrouridine at unexpected locations that include messenger RNAs in organisms ranging from diverse microbes to humans. Our discoveries broadened the study of ‘tRNA modifying enzymes’ to encompass all aspects of RNA metabolism.
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Academic Achievements and Community Involvement
Links & Media
News
- January 23, 2022Source: YaleNews
Yale Researchers Track the Lifespan and Myriad Functions of mRNA
- September 13, 2018
Tiny protein has big impact in times of stress