McHugh, Colleen
RNA-protein interactions; Assembly of RNPs; Structural biology of multimeric complexes
RNA-protein interactions; Assembly of RNPs; Structural biology of multimeric complexes
Contact Information
Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Office: Urey Hall 6206
Phone: 858-822-1995
Email: c1mchugh@ucsd.edu
Web: https://www.mchughlab.com
Group: View group members
Office: Urey Hall 6206
Phone: 858-822-1995
Email: c1mchugh@ucsd.edu
Web: https://www.mchughlab.com
Group: View group members
Education
2011 Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
2002 B.A., Hood College
2011 Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
2002 B.A., Hood College
Appointments
2018 Assistant Professor, University of California San Diego
2013 Postdoctoral Fellow, California Institute of Technology
2018 Assistant Professor, University of California San Diego
2013 Postdoctoral Fellow, California Institute of Technology
Research Interests
The McHugh Lab studies the assembly and function of non-coding RNA and protein complexes in human cells. The multidisciplinary projects in our research group integrate chemical biology, molecular biochemistry, and genomics techniques to understand biological systems. Specifically, we focus on biomolecular interactions involved in human cell growth and death decisions.
Current projects:
1. TDP-43 dysfunction is prevalent in patients suffering from the human neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer's, LATE, and ALS-FTLD. We found that MALAT1 non-coding RNA regulates TDP-43 binding in RNA networks in the nucleus. As part of this work, we created a new fluorescent multiplexed electrophoretic mobility shift assay (mEMSA) to rapidly and accurately quantify RNA-protein binding affinities.
2. Protection against oxidative stress and DNA damage is critical for human cell survival and active growth. We discovered that the novel non-coding RNA GRAS1 protects against DNA double-strand breaks as part of a multifunctional gene locus controlling cell growth during starvation and senescence.
3. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is achieved through complex networks of protein modifications controlling chromatin state. We found that non-coding RNA acts to maintain differentiation pathways involved in cell type determination.
4. Development of an isotopically labeled embryonic stem cell culture system coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry (RAP-MS) to examine XIST non-coding RNA basis of epigenetic regulator recruitment to the inactive X chromosome. Our chemical structure probing experiments revealed a bulged adenosine structural motif required for XIST-SPEN interactions.
Previous work: Mechanisms of catalysis of Ricin toxin in human ribosomal RNA cleavage and vaccine development; Proteome discovery of the Anopheles gambiae peritrophic matrix; Environmental metal accumulation and protection from reactive oxygen species by bacterial encapsulins; Nuclear structure and functional responses to nanomaterials
Current projects:
1. TDP-43 dysfunction is prevalent in patients suffering from the human neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer's, LATE, and ALS-FTLD. We found that MALAT1 non-coding RNA regulates TDP-43 binding in RNA networks in the nucleus. As part of this work, we created a new fluorescent multiplexed electrophoretic mobility shift assay (mEMSA) to rapidly and accurately quantify RNA-protein binding affinities.
2. Protection against oxidative stress and DNA damage is critical for human cell survival and active growth. We discovered that the novel non-coding RNA GRAS1 protects against DNA double-strand breaks as part of a multifunctional gene locus controlling cell growth during starvation and senescence.
3. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is achieved through complex networks of protein modifications controlling chromatin state. We found that non-coding RNA acts to maintain differentiation pathways involved in cell type determination.
4. Development of an isotopically labeled embryonic stem cell culture system coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry (RAP-MS) to examine XIST non-coding RNA basis of epigenetic regulator recruitment to the inactive X chromosome. Our chemical structure probing experiments revealed a bulged adenosine structural motif required for XIST-SPEN interactions.
Previous work: Mechanisms of catalysis of Ricin toxin in human ribosomal RNA cleavage and vaccine development; Proteome discovery of the Anopheles gambiae peritrophic matrix; Environmental metal accumulation and protection from reactive oxygen species by bacterial encapsulins; Nuclear structure and functional responses to nanomaterials
Primary Research Area
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Interdisciplinary interests
Macromolecular Structure
Cellular Biochemistry
Biophysics
Cellular Biochemistry
Biophysics
Outreach Activities
Service activities include Departmental Admissions and Recruitment Committee and the Committee for Research, Education, and Staff Support. Organizer for the Departmental IUPAC Global Women's Breakfast. Mentorship of graduate students and undergraduates through T-Rex, TRELS, ENLACE, McNair Scholars, FMP and STARS programs. Recognized with the Outstanding Mentor in Physical Sciences award from FMP.
Selected Publications