Blanton S. Tolbert

From Recognition to Regulation – Allostery in RNA-Protein Networks

Abstract:

Gene expression is governed by a dense network of heterotypic RNA-protein (RNP) interactions, yet the principles that dictate how functional RNP assemblies form and regulate biological outcomes remain poorly defined across much of the transcriptome. A major obstacle is the intrinsic heterogeneity of these interactions, which complicates efforts to extract generalizable rules from genome-wide studies.
In this seminar, I will introduce mutual allostery as a conceptual framework for understanding how RNA and protein components cooperatively encode regulatory control. Allostery is traditionally viewed as communication between distant sites within a macromolecule; here, the concept is extended to heterotypic RNPs, where reciprocal coupling between RNA and protein conformational states shapes assembly, specificity, and function.

Through selected examples, I will illustrate how allosteric communication across RNP interfaces can influence higher-order complex formation and regulatory outcomes. Together, these observations support the idea that mutual allostery may represent a unifying mechanism by which heterotypic interactions modulate RNA biology. More broadly, this framework suggests new ways to think about, and ultimately manipulate, RNA-centered regulatory systems using chemical principles.

Speaker: Blanton S. Tolbert, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Blanton S. Tolbert, PhD, is the Jacob Gershon-Cohen Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania, where he leads a research program investigating RNA virus biology and virus–host interactions, with emphasis on protein–RNA complexes as therapeutic targets. His work has informed antiviral strategies against pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 and enterovirus A71. From 2022 to 2025, he served as inaugural Vice President at HHMI’s Center for the Advancement of Science Leadership and Culture, leading initiatives integrating inclusion, mentorship, and community engagement into academic science. Previously at Case Western Reserve University, he held professorial and DEI leadership roles. Tolbert is a committed mentor and advocate for inclusive excellence in STEM.

Seminars start at 4:00 pm, and refreshments will be served at 3:45 pm. All seminars are held in the 2136 Physical Sciences Complex (#415) unless otherwise noted.