The nucleolus is traditionally the site of transcription of ribosomal genes and the assembly of ribosomal subunits. It is now known to be involved in many RNA metabolism and RNP assembly events such as assembly of the signal recognition particle and telomerase RNP. The nucleolus also functions in the cell cycle and as a sensor of cellular stress.

Figure: Nucleolar proteins

Our research into the structure and function of the nucleolus has identified proteins involved with mRNAs in the nucleolus. In addition, we have found mRNAs and aberrant mRNAs suggesting novel roles for the nucleolus in mRNA export, surveillance or nonsense-mediated decay. We are currently investigating the nature of the mRNA transcripts and why they are in the nucleolus. This research links with alternative splicing and with how cells respond to adapt to stress.