Tools, models, and applications for the study of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases
Haissi Cui
Assistant Professor Department of Chemistry
University of Toronto
October 20, 2026
11:00 a.m.
In-person: C2-361
Abstract: Protein synthesis is crucial for all living cells and its dysregulation can cause severe disease. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases physically link transfer RNAs (tRNAs) to the building blocks of proteins, amino acids, thereby effectively interpreting the genetic code. These aminoacylated tRNAs are then used by the ribosome to synthesize proteins. The Cui lab studies this essential process by developing chemical tools for the subcellular visualization of tRNAs, investigating mammalian models to understand how the distribution of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases is altered in disease, and exploring how this knowledge can be harnessed for new RNA therapies.