Mashiat Nawar Chowdhury

Ph.D projects:

Functions of RNA-Binding proteins in translation

I am currently working on understanding the molecular mechanisms of RGG-containing RNA binding proteins in translation at genomic, biochemical, and molecular level using yeast RGG-protein Sbp1 as a model. I determined that Sbp1 binds to AU rich sequence of its target mRNAs in vivo and represses translation initiation in a transcript-dependent manner. I observed that this protein binds to the polysomes in an RGG-dependent manner and its post-translational modification completely abolishes its interaction with the ribosome. Moreover, I determined that Sbp1 not only participates in the translation initiation as previously understood but is also required to maintain proper ribosome dynamics during elongation. Currently, we are trying to obtain a high-resolution Cryo-EM structure of Sbp1 bound to the translational complex to gain a significant understanding of how Sbp1 regulates translation at an atomic level.

Functions of snoRNAs in translation

I have also been working on understanding the mechanistic role of snoRNAs in translation. I determined that rRNA modifications in the ASF of the 60S ribosome is essential in subunit joining and cap dependent translation.

Collaboration projects

I am collaborating with Julia Peukes Lab at UC Berkeley on mammalian translation regulator DRG proteins and with members of our lab on translation initiation factor eIF2A. I am also working on a collaboration project on mammalian ribosome fidelity with Lin He's group at UC Berkeley.

Chancellor’s Gold Medal and Valedictorian for highest CGPA among undergraduates of BRAC University, 2015

Vice Chancellor’s Medal for highest CGPA among undergraduates of Biotechnology program, BRAC University, 2015

Vice Chancellor’s Medal for highest CGPA among graduates of Biotechnology program, BRAC University, 2017

Robert L. Switzer Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 2020

The RGG Motif Proteins: Interactions, Functions and Regulations

Mashiat N. Chowdhury and Hong Jin

WIREs RNA. 2022; e1748. DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1748

Transgenic Crops Targeting Ion Homeostasis Machinery: Bangladesh Perspective for Adaptation to Climate Change to Ensure Food Security

Anamika Datta, Mashiat Nawar Chowdhury and Aparna Islam

PTC&B. 27(2): 241‐256, 2017

Decapping activators affect ribosome dynamics in translation

Mashiat Chowdhury, Xin Chen and Hong Jin

rRNA modifications at the functional sites of the ribosome affect mRNA translation

Mashiat Chowdhury, Xin Chen and Hong Jin

Functions of RGG proteins in mRNA translation

Authors: Mashiat Chowdhury, Xin Chen, and Hong Jin

Poster presented at the RNA Society conference 2022

Isolation of diesel and kerosene degrading bacteria from soil samples and determination of optimum growth conditions.

Authors: Mashiat Chowdhury, Tasmin Naila, M. Mahboob Hossain, Naiyyum Choudhury

Paper presented at the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists (BSM) International Conference 2015