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Wendy V. Gilbert, PhD

Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
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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

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)

Biochemistry; Gene Expression Regulation; Genomics; Molecular Biology; Protein Biosynthesis; RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; Transcriptome

Research at a Glance

Publications Timeline

A big-picture view of Wendy V. Gilbert's research output by year.
10Publications
1,682Citations

Publications

2024

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2014

Academic Achievements & Community Involvement

  • honor

    Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award for Inclusion and Belonging

  • honor

    RNA Society Award for Excellence in Inclusive Leadership

  • honor

    Poorvu Prize for Academic Innovation

  • honor

    RNA Society Early Career Award

  • honor

    American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award

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