Understanding how the information contained in RNA sequences
controls gene expression in development and cancer
Our cells are like machines. Genes in our DNA are the instructions to produce each part (proteins, RNA, and other molecules). Each part must be accurately produced in the right amount for cells to work properly. Mistakes in these processes cause many diseases, including cancer.
Messenger RNA sequences instruct the cell what protein part to make, and influence how much is made. Other RNA molecules also affect how cells work. Our lab studies how these processes work normally and how they are altered in human diseases.
Left: human cells turned green by genetic engineering using CRISPR/Cas9.
We study the many ways RNA influences human gene expression. How do mRNA sequences specify protein production levels? How do changes to the biophysics of RNA in cells influence gene expression, and what role(s) do RNA chaperones play? How are these processes changed in human diseases, and can the changes be corrected?
The Floor lab uses genome editing, functional genomics, biochemistry, and cell biology to explore these and other questions. Learn more about our projects or recent work.
We are members of the Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Biophysics & Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs.
Remodeling of RNA by DEAD-box RNA chaperones
DEAD-box proteins use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to remodel RNA structures and RNA-protein complexes. We study how DEAD-box proteins influence gene expression through mechanical work.
Translational output of the human transcriptome
Most human genes give rise to multiple mRNAs through alternative mRNA processing. Each mRNA may include different coding sequences, regulatory sequences, or both. We measure how well different mRNAs are translated and use this information to control transgene expression.
RNA in developmental disorders and cancer
DEAD-box proteins and other aspects of RNA biology are altered in numerous human diseases. We are studying how alteration of the DEAD-box protein DDX3 drives formation of the brain tumor medulloblastoma, and other RNA-related processes in disease.
Cell biophysics & phase separation of RNA
RNA molecules exist in a crowded cytoplasm. RNA and RNA-binding proteins partition into phase-separated RNA granules under some conditions. We investigate the role of RNA chaperones like DEAD-box proteins in this balance.
The Floor Lab launches July 2017!
Principal Investigator (CV)
stephen.floor@ucsf.edu
Ph.D.: UCSF Biophysics (John Gross lab)
Postdoc: Berkeley (Doudna lab)
Undergrad (UC Berkeley MCB)
Widespread translational remodeling during human neuronal differentiation.
Blair JD, Hockemeyer D, Doudna JA, Bateup HS, Floor SN
bioRxiv (preprint) (2017)
CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing In Human Cells Works Via The Fanconi Anemia Pathway.
Richardson, C.D., et al., Floor SN and Corn J.
bioRxiv (preprint) (2017)
Efficient genome editing in the mouse brain by local delivery of engineered Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes.
Staahl BT, Benekareddy M, Coulon-Bainier C, Banfal AA, Floor SN, et al., Doudna JA.
Nature Biotechnology (2017)
Rocaglates convert DEAD-box protein eIF4A into a sequence-selective translational repressor.
Iwasaki S, Floor SN, Ingolia NT.
Nature (2016)
Medulloblastoma-associated DDX3 variant selectively alters the translational response to stress.
Oh S, Flynn RA, Floor SN, et al., Cho YJ.
Oncotarget (2016)
Tunable protein synthesis by transcript isoforms in human cells.
Floor SN and Doudna JA.
eLife (2016)
For a complete list of publications please click here or grab an RSS feed
We're always excited to talk with people interested in the lab! Applicants, journalists, educators - get in touch!
Active recruitments: postdocs (to start in late 2017 or 2018)
Postdoc applicants email Stephen with your CV, why you'd like to work in the lab, and contact information for your references.
For info about what it's like to be a postdoc at UCSF and associated policies, click here.
Prospective graduate students please apply through one of the UCSF BMS or iPQB graduate programs or another UCSF graduate program.
The Floor lab welcomes people of any race, religion, national origin, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and eligible age or disability.