• The mechanism of genome invasion

    We determined the 2.8 Å cryo-EM structure of a group IIC intron with its MarathonRT maturase and DNA target to understand the molecular recognition mechanisms behind genome invasion by this mobile retroelement.
  • Research in macromolecular structure and function

    In our studies of RNA and protein enzymes, we use technical approaches that include pre-steady-state kinetics, analytical ultracentrifugation, crystallography, microscopy and cell culture.
  • Instrumentation in the Pyle Lab

    State-of-the-art instrumentation on site facilitates all of our scientific investigations.
  • Three views of RIG-I bound to duplex RNA

    The RIG-I innate immune receptor is a "surveillance protein" that helps us detect and combat viral infections. We solved its structure and showed how viral RNA (gold) is recognized by the RIG-I protein (green).
  • DNA-RNA synthesis and mechanistic analysis

    We make our own modified DNA and RNA, using chemical synthesis to produce unusual nucleic acids for the study of molecular recognition.
  • Large noncoding RNAs have elaborate structures

    Our studies on the group II self-splicing intron shows that large noncoding RNAs can adopt elaborate tertiary structures, enabling them to catalyze complex reactions.
  • Rapid quench instrument for analysis of enzyme kinetics

    To understand the molecular mechanisms of catalysis by our enzymes, and to probe their structures, we employ a diversity of enzymological techniques.

Welcome

Welcome 

Welcome to the Pyle Lab. We explore RNA Biology, studying the molecular interactions important for RNA structures and the activities of RNA-protein machines. Using tools that range from cryo-EM to cell culture, we seek to understand the impact of RNA architecture and dynamics on the life of the cell. 

Spotlight Publications