Michael T. McManus, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Microbiology
and Immunology

Contact Information: mmcmanus@diabetes.ucsf.edu
UCSF Diabetes Center
513 Parnassus Avenue
HSW 1053A, Box 0534
San Francisco, CA 94143

Tel: (415) 502-2049
Fax: (415) 731-3612

Links:
Lab website
Dept. of Immunology
Diabetes Center
BMS Graduate Program

Mammalian microRNA and RNA Interference Pathways

The McManus lab studies biological processes relating to the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, in both cell culture and mouse models. This includes the study of endogenous small (18-26 nucleotide) regulatory RNAs of biological significance, such as microRNAs, and the genetic factors involved in small RNA genesis.

RNAi offers an innovative new strategy for using small RNAs to silence specific genes associated with disease processes. Our research efforts are focused on understanding the mechanisms of small RNA action and the potential for applying this knowledge to the development of RNAi-based treatments. The concept of using RNA in therapeutic intervention is quite attractive since it adds a new dimension to the current gene therapies.

The two main approaches for delivering RNA-based therapeutics encompass the use of mature small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) molecules or short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs)— both of which the lab studies. We run a Lentiviral RNAi Core, which produces powerful reagents for the exploration of gene function. We have developed new strategies for conducting genome-scale RNAi screens.

We direct the UCSF Keck Center for small RNAs, which represents a new effort aimed at dissecting small RNA function in mammals. This new Center will help generate mouse models for microRNA deletion.


A few major projects in the lab are:

1) Developing novel sensors to visualize small RNA activity in cells and whole animal models

2) Using RNAi libraries to dissect mechanisms for the regulation of gene expression

3) Exploring the role of microRNAs through the study of knockout mice