ALT Seminar flyer with abstract text: Gene expression is governed by a dense network of heterotypic RNA-protein (RNP) interactions. The intrinsic heterogeneity of these interactions complicates efforts to extract generalizable rules from genome-wide studies. In this seminar, I will introduce mutual allostery as a conceptual framework for understanding how RNA and protein components cooperatively encode regulatory control. The concept of allostery is extended to heterotypic RNPs, where reciprocal coupling between RNA and protein conformational states shapes assembly, specificity, and function. I will illustrate how allosteric communication across RNP interfaces can influence complex formation and regulatory outcomes. Mutual allostery may represent a unifying mechanism by which heterotypic interactions modulate RNA biology. More broadly, this framework suggests new ways to think about, and ultimately manipulate, RNA-centered regulatory systems using chemical principles.

ALT Dynamic and disordered (DD) macromolecular structures are essential for cellular functions, are often drivers of biological dysfunction, and are almost exclusively unligandable and/or undruggable with traditional, non-covalent small molecules. Recently, serendipitous discoveries revealed that covalent small molecules can form selective interactions with DD proteins, leading to a surge in chemical probes. These successes are largely the result of screening campaigns with little understanding of the molecular, biophysical, or structural basis of the observed selectivity. The Morgan lab’s goal is to elucidate molecular recognition principles that describe how these covalent ligands target DD structures. Our lab focuses on two classes of macromolecules with therapeutic importance that have eluded selective targeting: RNAs and RNA-Binding Proteins (RBPs). The talk will describe our multi-disciplinary approach to demystify generalizable rules for covalently targeting DD structures.

ALT In the spirit of all things scientific, occasionally explosive and all-around inspirational, the Department of Chemistry is gearing up to host one of the most popular fall traditions across the Texas A&M University campus at the premier laboratory building in the country! Stop by the welcome tent at the front entrance and get ready for a host of hands-on action, including fascinating experiments, a poster session, guided laboratory tours, three Chemistry Road Show performances and lots of other free fun for the whole family!