Description:

Talk title: Cell surface glycoRNA biology. 

Abstract: Glycans modify lipids and proteins to mediate inter- and intramolecular interactions across all domains of life. RNA is not thought to be a major target of glycosylation. Here, we challenge this view with evidence that mammals use RNA as a third scaffold for glycosylation. Using chemical and biochemical approaches, we found that conserved small noncoding RNAs bear sialylated glycans. These ‘‘glycoRNAs’’ were present in multiple cell types and mammalian species, in cultured cells, and in vivo. GlycoRNA assembly depends on canonical N-glycan biosynthetic machinery and results in structures enriched in sialic acid and fucose. Analysis of living cells revealed that the majority of glycoRNAs were present on the cell surface and can interact with anti-dsRNA antibodies and members of the Siglec receptor family. New chemical tools and insights into the molecular nature of glycoRNAs will be presented. Specifically, details surrounding the observation that RNA binding proteins are common members of cell surface proteomes will be explored, the genetic basis of this clustering discussed, and the functional relevance of glycoRNA-csRBP clusters on growth factor signaling will be highlighted.

 
Speaker: Ryan Flynn, MD, PhD; Assistant Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University; Principal Investigator, Boston Children's Hospital.