Small RNAs and chromatin modifications in host-parasite communication:
Often considered as the genomic ‘junkyard’, the non-genic regions of the genome are actually rich sources of many regulatory elements such as small RNAs and transposable elements. Despite their powerful regulatory potential, non-genic elements are often poorly annotated in the genome. This annotation gap greatly hinders understanding the extent of the biological roles of non-genic elements. Using parasitic plants as a model system, we found a novel role of small regulatory RNAs in plant-plant communication (Shahid et al, 2018, Nature). Our Lab’s central biological questions focus on the transfer, diversity, and evolution of these mobile elements and their role in RNA interference and epigenetic regulation in interspecies communication. We use bioinformatics, genomics, molecular and synthetic biology approaches to address research questions.

See the Shahid Lab website to learn more about what we do, and meet our current lab members! Feel free to reach out if you are interested in joining the lab or collaborating on research projects.

Recent Publications

For most recent publication list, see Google Scholar