Laurie K. Read PhD

Laurie Read

Laurie K. Read
PhD

Professor

Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Eukaryotic Pathogenesis; Gene Expression; Genomics and proteomics; Infectious Disease; Microbial Pathogenesis; Microbiology; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Molecular genetics; Protein Function and Structure; RNA

Contact Information
5222 Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 829-3307
lread@buffalo.edu



Professional Summary:

Trypanosoma brucei is a eukaryotic pathogen that causes human African trypanosomiasis, a disease that is invariably fatal if not treated. Essential and novel processes in this parasite may serve as starting platforms for new chemotherapeutics, which are urgently needed. Our laboratory combines biochemical, genetic, genomic and proteomic approaches toward understanding gene regulation and protein modification in this pathogenic eukaryote.

One focus in my laboratory is RNA editing, a novel mechanism for regulating mitochondrial gene expression in which sequence information is added to mRNAs after transcription by specific insertion and deletion of uridine residues. RNA editing is essential for creating translatable open reading frames (ORFs). We are performing functional and biochemical characterization of the large, dynamic RNA-protein complex termed MRB1, which coordinates multiple aspects of the RNA editing process.

A second focus is on regulating RNA stability and translational control in T. brucei, which constitute the major methods of gene regulation in this organism. We identified an RNA binding protein, DRBD18, that impacts the stabilities of hundreds of mRNAs. Our data support a model in which posttranslational modification of DRBD18 by arginine methylation acts as a switch to change DRBD18 from an mRNA destabilizer to an mRNA stabilizer by regulating specific protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions. We are testing this model in vitro and in vivo using reporter assays, in vivo protein-RNA cross-linking and protein-protein interaction assays.

A third focus is on understanding the mechanisms by which protein arginine methylation modulates trypanosome biology.  We performed a global proteomic analysis of the arginine methylome of T. brucei, identifying >1100 methylproteins spanning most cellular compartments and a wide array of functional classes. We are now analyzing novel mechanisms of protein arginine methyltransferase regulation and defining the physiological and molecular functions of arginine methylmarks on selected proteins.

I foster a collaborative and flexible laboratory environment, and I encourage my students to explore the research topics that interest them.

Education and Training:

  • PhD, Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Tufts University School of Medicine (1990)
  • MA, Cell Biology and Physiology, University of California at Santa Barbara (1985)
  • BA, Biology, Boston University (1982)

Employment:

  • Professor, Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo (2006-present)
  • Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2000–2006)
  • Assistant Professor, Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1994–2000)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Microbiology and Immunology, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, University of Washington (1990–1994)

Awards and Honors:

  • Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activity (2018)
  • Exceptional Scholar- Sustained Achievement Award (2014)
  • Dean's Award for Outstanding Service (2012)
  • Distinguished Postdoc Mentor Award (2010)
  • New Investigator in Molecular Parasitology Award, Burroughs Wellcome Fund (1996)
  • National Research Service Award (1991)
  • Predoctoral Fellowship, Berlex Laboratories (1990)
  • Travel Award, American Society for Cell Biology (1989)
  • National Research Service Award, Public Health Service, National Institutes (1988)
  • Edwin W. Pauley Foundation Grant-in-Aid (1983)

Research Expertise:

  • Molecular parasitology: Molecular biology and biochemistry of African trypanosomiasis, posttranscriptional gene regulation, RNA editing and stability, protein arginine methylation, ribonucleoprotein machineries.
  • post-transcriptional gene regulation: In our laboratory we study the eukaryotic parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which is the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis, also known as African sleeping sickness. This disease is invariably fatal if not treated, and current drugs are toxic and difficult to administer, and resistance is developing. Essential and novel processes in this parasite may serve as starting platforms for new drug therapies. In addition to being of great medical and economic importance, T. brucei is also an excellent model system for the study of posttranscriptional gene regulation, because regulation at the level of transcription is essentially absent in this organism. The primary focus of our laboratory is on the mechanisms and regulation of two RNA processing events in T. brucei: RNA editing and RNA turnover. A third related area of research is the mechanism by which posttranslational modification of RNA binding proteins by arginine methylation modulates RNA processing, stability, and translation. RNA editing RNA editing is a novel mechanism for regulating gene expression in which sequence information is added to mRNAs after transcription by specific insertion and deletion of uridine residues. Editing generates translatable messages by creating the open reading frames as well as proper initiation and termination signals. The phenomenon is of fundamental importance in understanding how genetic information can be stored and processed, and it is an essential process in trypanosomes. We identified several RNA binding proteins and ribonucleoprotein complexes that act as RNA editing accessory factors, and which are essential for the editing of specific RNAs or classes of RNAs. We are currently using biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches to determine the molecular mechanisms by which these factors modulate RNA-RNA, RNA-protein, and protein-protein interactions. RNA turnover The levels of translatable mRNAs are dictated by the balance between transcription rates and mRNA decay rates. The decay rates of specific RNAs are determined by both cis-acting sequences within the mRNA itself as well as trans-acting proteins that interact with those RNA sequences. We have developed an in vitro RNA turnover system for identification of cis- and trans-acting factors that modulate mitochondrial RNA decay rates. We identified small edited RNA sequences that dramatically affect the rate of RNA decay, and showed that 3’ poly(A) tails differentially affect the decay rate of an RNA depending on its editing status. We are using biochemical and bioinformatic approaches to identify 1) exoribonucleases that catalyze decay of different RNA classes and 2) RNA binding proteins that recognize cis-acting elements and regulate RNA turnover pathways. We are also performing genetic studies in trypanosomes to define the roles of these trans-acting factors in mitochondrial gene regulation. Protein arginine methylation Methylation of arginine residues in proteins is a posttranslational modification whose importance in areas such as signal transduction, RNA trafficking, RNA processing, and transcription has recently become apparent. Interestingly, a very large percentage of proteins that undergo arginine methylation are RNA binding proteins. We have identified and characterized five protein arginine methyltransferases that catalyze this process in T. brucei. We have also identified numerous RNA binding proteins that undergo arginine methylation. Studies are currently underway to determine how methylation of RNA binding proteins affects their functions in posttranscriptional gene regulatory processes.

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • December 2022–December 2024
    “Alternative Polyadenylation Regulation in Trypanosoma brucei”
    NIH
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $437,250
  • July 2018–June 2024
    Kinetoplastid RNA editing
    NIH
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $1,232,000
  • June 2019–May 2024
    Function and regulation of the essential RNA binding protein, DRBD18
    NIH
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $2,121,078
  • July 2018–July 2021
    Functional characterization of RNA editing helicase 1
    NIH
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $440,000
  • September 2011–August 2016
    Training in microbial pathogenesis
    NIH NIAID
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $141,112
  • August 2012–July 2016
    Regulation of RNA editing in Trypanosoma brucei(RO1AI061580)
    NIH NIAID
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $250,000
  • May 2010–April 2015
    Protein arginine methylation in trypanosomes
    NIH NIAID
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $250,000
  • May 2008–April 2013
    Cis- and trans-acting factors in mitochondrial RNA decay
    NIH NIAID
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $250,000

Journal Articles:

See all (83 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Stuart, K., Corell, R.A., Goringer, H.U., Koslowsky, D.J., Myler, P.J., Laurie Read, Riley, G.R., Shu, H.-H., Souza, A.E. (1993) In: RNA editing in Trypanosoma brucei: gRNA diversity and redundancy.

Professional Memberships:

  • American Society for Microbiology (2000–present)
  • American Society for Microbiology; Western NY Branch (1998–present)
  • RNA Society (1995–present)
  • AAAS (1992–present)

Presentations:

  • "RNA binding proteins in control: Multifaceted gene regulation by trypanosome DRBD18" Departmental seminar; UB Dept. of Biological Sciences (2023)
  • "“RNA binding proteins in control: Multifaceted gene regulation by Trypanosoma brucei DRBD18”" Departmental seminar (2022)
  • "Massive upregulation of COII mRNA editing correlates with alterations in RESC protein and RNA interactions during T. brucei differentiation" Kinetoplastid Cell Molecular Biology Meeting, Woods Hole, MA (2022)
  • "Developmental regulation of CYb and COIII mRNA abundance occurs through two distinct mechanisms." Rustbelt RNA Meeting (2020)
  • "Developmental regulation of CYb and COIII mRNA abundance occurs through two distinct mechanisms." Molecular Parasitology meeting XXXI (2020)
  • "RNA editing and stability in Trypanosoma brucei" Department of Oral Biology, SUNYAB (2002)
  • "Disruption of RBP16 gene expression differentially affects editing of multiple RNAs in Trypanosoma brucei" Molecular Parasitology Meeting XII (2001)
  • "Molecular interactions involving the guide RNA binding protein, RBP16" Gordon Conference on RNA Editing (2001)
  • "Molecular interactions involving the guide RNA binding protein, RBP16" Second International Conference on Proteins that Bind RNA (2001)
  • "Molecular interactions involving the mitochondrial Y-box protein, RBP16" Second International Conference on Proteins that Bind RNA (2001)
  • "Polyadenylation and UTP regulate Trypanosoma brucei mitochondrial mRNA turnover in vitro" Molecular Parasitology Meeting XII (2001)
  • "The trypanosome homolog of human p32 interacts with RBP16 and stimulates its gRNA binding activity" Molecular Parasitology Meeting XII (2001)
  • "Characterization ofmitochondrial ribonuclease activities from Trypanosoma brucei" Molecular Parasitology Meeting XI (2000)
  • "Gene expression in trypanosome mitochondria: unique aspects of RNA processing" Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Tufts University School of Medicine (2000)
  • "Mitochondrial ribonuclease activities from Trypanosoma brucei" Fifth Annual Meeting of the RNA Society (2000)
  • "Structure-function analysis of the mitochondrial Y-box protein RBP16" Molecular Parasitology Meeting XI (2000)
  • "Structure-function analysis of the mitochondrial Y-box protein RBP16" Fifth Annual Meeting of the RNA Society (2000)
  • "UTP-dependent and -independent pathways of mRNA turnover in Trypanosoma brucei mitochondria" Fifth Annual Meeting of the RNA Society (2000)
  • "UTP-dependent and -independent pathways of mRNA turnover in trypanosome mitochondria" Gordon Conference on Mitochondria and Chloroplasts (2000)
  • "UTP-dependent and -independent pathways of mRNA turnover in trypanosome mitochondria" Gordon Conference on Mitochondria and Chloroplasts (2000)
  • "Binding properties of the Trypanosoma brucei gRNA-binding protein RBP16" Molecular Parasitology Meeting X (1999)
  • "RNA editing in African trypanosomes" Roswell Park Cancer Research Institute (1999)
  • "Trypanosoma brucei RBP16 associates with gRNA and rRNA and is present in multicomponent complexes" Fourth Annual Meeting of the RNA Society (1999)
  • "UTP stimulates degradation of polyadenylated RNA in Trypanosoma brucei mitochondria" Fourth Annual Meeting of the RNA Society (1999)
  • "UTP stimulates degradation of polyadenylated RNA in Trypanosoma brucei mitochondria" Molecular Parasitology Meeting (1999)
  • "UTP stimulates degradation of polyadenylated RNAs in Trypanosoma brucei mitochondria" Molecular Parasitology Meeting X (1999)
  • "A eukaryotic Y-box protein from Trypanosoma brucei with gRNA binding activity" Molecular Parasitology Meeting IX (1998)
  • "Mitochondrial gene expression in Trypanosoma brucei" CAMBI Research Exchange Series, SUNYAB (1998)
  • "Mitochondrial RNA processing in Trypanosoma brucei" Burroughs Wellcome Fund New Investigators Meeting (1998)
  • "The role of polyadenylation in the mitochondria of Trypanosoma brucei" Molecular Parasitology Meeting (1998)
  • "The role of polyadenylation in Trypanosoma brucei mitochondria" Third Annual Meeting of the RNA Society (1998)
  • "Trypanosoma brucei RBP16: A Y-box family member that binds guide RNA and acts as an RNA chaperone" Third Annual Meeting of the RNA Society (1998)
  • "RNA editing in African trypanosomes" microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Group Fall Research Forum, SUNYAB (1997)
  • "Purification and characterization of a mitochondrial RNA binding protein from Trypanosoma brucei" Molecular Parasitology Meeting (1997)
  • "Kinetoplastid RNA editing" SUNYAB Department of Biochemistry (1995)
  • "RNA editing complexes in Trypanosoma brucei" SUNYAB Department of Biological Sciences (1995)
  • "Potential RNA editing complexes in Trypanosoma brucei" Molecular Parasitology Meeting (1994)
  • "RNA editing in African trypanosomes" West Virginia University Medical School (1994)
  • "RNA editing in African trypanosomes" SUNYAB School of Medicine (1994)
  • "RNA editing in African trypanosomes" Medical College of Virginia (1994)
  • "RNA editing in African trypanosomes" University of Montana (1994)
  • "RNA editing in African trypanosomes" South Carolina Medical University (1994)
  • "RNA editing in African trypanosomes" Arizona State University (1994)
  • "RNA editing in African trypanosomes" University of Vermont School of Medicine (1994)
  • "In vitro formation of gRNA-and mRNA-containing ribonucleoprotein complexes in Trypanosoma brucei" Cold Spring Harbor RNA Processing Meeting (1993)
  • "In vitro formation of mitochondrial ribonucleoprotein particles containing gRNA, mRNA, and specific gRNA binding proteins" West Coast Kinetoplastid Conference (1993)
  • "Analysis of RNA editing in Trypanosoma brucei" Molecular Parasitology Meeting (1992)
  • "New insights into RNA editing in trypanosomes" Seattle Protozoology Conference (1992)
  • "RNA editing in Trypanosoma congolense" American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Meeting (1992)
  • "RNA editing in Trypanosoma congolense: Developmental regulation and conservation of edited RNA, but not DNA, sequence between T. congolense and T. brucei" Molecular Parasitology Meeting (1992)
See all (40 more)

Service Activities:

  • New Faculty Search Committee; Committee Chair (2023–present)
  • Representative to Awards Committee; Department representative (2022–present)
  • NIH Fellowship study section; Reviewer (2022)
  • National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; Reviewer (2022)
  • Czech Science Foundation; Reviewer (2022)
  • Czech Science Foundation; Ad hoc Reviewer (2021)
  • National Institutes of Health, Topics in Mycology, Parasitology, and Pathogenesis Study Section; Vice Chair and member (2021)
  • NIH Pathogenic Eukaryotes Special Study Section; Grant reviewer (2020)
  • NIH Pathogenic Eukaryotes Study section; Ad hoc reviewer (2020)
  • Israel Science Foundation; Grant reviewer (2020)
  • Directory of Graduate Studies; Director (2019–2021)
  • Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Council Representative; member (2018–2020)
  • Ad hoc Committee on Promotions to Academic (Tenurial) Ranks; member (2018–2021)
  • Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University; External Advisory Committee Member (2016–present)
  • PLoS Pathogens Pearls; Member (2016–present)
  • UB Genomics and Proteomics Core Advisory Committee; member (2016–present)
  • Faculty council committee on student affairs and academic standing; member (2016–present)
  • Graduate Affairs Committee; member (2013–present)
  • Junior faculty mentoring committee; member (2008–present)
  • Preliminary (Qualifying) Examination Committee; Committee Member (2001)
  • First Annual Western New York RNA Graduate Group Spring Forum; Co-Chair (2001–present)
  • Search Committee, Molecular Biology Faculty, Dept. of Biological Sciences; Committee Member (2001–present)
  • Search Committee, Associate Vice President for Research; Member (2000–2001)
  • Immunology Faculty Search Committee; Committee Member (2000)
  • School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Buswell Fellowship Committee; Committee Member (2000–present)
  • Graduate Group on RNA; Organizing Committee Member (2000–present)
  • Preliminary (Qualifying) Examination Committee; Committee Member (1999)
  • Microbial Pathogenesis Training Grant Implementatiion Committee; Committee Member (1999–present)
  • Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Group Fall Forum Organizing Committee; Chairman (1998–1999)
  • Admissions and Recruitment Committee, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program; Member (1998–present)
  • Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Group Fall Forum Organizing Committee; Co-Chair (1997–1998)
  • Distinguished Scientist Seminar Series Committee; Member (1997–1998)
  • Preliminary (Qualifying) Examination Committee; Committee Member (1997)
  • Founding Member and Organizer, Buffalo Area RNA Club meets monthly with members from UB North and South Campuses, Roswell Park Cancer Research Institute, and VA Hospital; Co-Chair (1997–present)
  • Income Fund Reimbursable Committee; Committee Member (1997–present)
  • Seminar Committee; Committee Member (1997–present)
  • Center for Advanced Molecular Biology and Immunology Steering Committee; Member (1996–2000)
  • Immunology/Bacteriology Faculty Search Committee; Committee Member (1996)
  • Preliminary (Qualifying) Examination Committee; Committee Member (1996)
  • Cirriculum/Graduate Affairs Committee; Committee Member (1996–present)
  • Analytical Biochemistry Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics Biochemical Journal BMC Microbiology Cellular Microbiology Current Genetics EMBO Journal Eukaryotic Cell Experimental Parasitology Gene Genes and Development International Journal for Parasitology Journal of Biological Chemistry Journal of Biomolecular Screening Journal of Molecular Biology Journal of Parasitology Journal of Structural Biology Mitochondrion Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Molecular and Cellular Biology Molecular and Cellular Proteomics Molecular Cell Molecular Microbiology Nature Communications Nucleic Acids Research Parasitology PLoS Genetics PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases PLoS One PLoS Pathogens Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Proteomics RNA RNA Biology Scientific Reports The Plant Cell Trends in Genetics WIRES RNA; Reviewer (1995–present)
  • Howard Hughes Undergraduate Biological Sciences Program; Student Mentor (1995–2000)
  • Internal Safety Committee; Chair (1991–1993)

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Contact Information

5222 Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 829-3307
lread@buffalo.edu