Research into the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic gene expression reveals ever greater complexity.

One valuable approach to breaking down this complexity is to focus on key interconnection points and thus determine how interacting stages of gene expression are co-ordinated. Messenger RNA 3’ end formation provides a clear paradigm for such an interconnection point as it represents the cross-over between transcribing a gene and translating its messenger RNA.

Following nuclear export, mRNA translation is also intimately coupled to the appropriate structure of its 3’ end, be this the polyA tail or a hairpin as in histone mRNA. The final critical stage in gene expression is the regulation of mRNA turn over, again closely connected to the integrity of the polyA tail.

Superimposed on this whole process of gene expression is a surveillance process that acts at all stages; for instance to prevent inappropriate gene transcription as well as to degrade pre-mRNA and mRNA that has failed to process correctly. The objectives of this meeting are to promote a better understanding of this key area of scientific research by bringing together the main research players in this field.