Stirling Churchman
@stirlingchurchman.bsky.social
Genetics professor at Harvard Medical School. Interested in RNA life cycles and genome organization across the cell, from the nucleus to mitochondria.
An exciting study driven by the close collaboration of first authors @erinduffyphd.bsky.social and @inespatop.bsky.social. And thanks to our other colleagues for making this such a comprehensive study. (11/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
An exciting study driven by the close collaboration of first authors @erinduffyphd.bsky.social and @inespatop.bsky.social. And thanks to our other colleagues for making this such a comprehensive study. (11/11)
This work reveals RNA stability as a "hidden layer" of gene regulation that: 1) Operates independently of transcription 2) Works locally in neuronal processes 3) Is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders 4) Expands our view of activity-dependent plasticity (10/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
This work reveals RNA stability as a "hidden layer" of gene regulation that: 1) Operates independently of transcription 2) Works locally in neuronal processes 3) Is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders 4) Expands our view of activity-dependent plasticity (10/11)
Importantly, HuD-bound mRNAs are enriched for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk genes, and ASD variants can alter RNA stability regulation, implicating this pathway in neurodevelopmental disorders. (9/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Importantly, HuD-bound mRNAs are enriched for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk genes, and ASD variants can alter RNA stability regulation, implicating this pathway in neurodevelopmental disorders. (9/11)
How does activity change HuD function? Not by changing HuD levels, but by reorganizing its protein partners. Microscopy and IP-MS support a model where activity recruits HuD into RNA granules, stabilizing HuD-bound mRNAs by protecting them from degradation. (8/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
How does activity change HuD function? Not by changing HuD levels, but by reorganizing its protein partners. Microscopy and IP-MS support a model where activity recruits HuD into RNA granules, stabilizing HuD-bound mRNAs by protecting them from degradation. (8/11)
We found that activity-dependent gene expression is modulated in both soma and distal processes (dendrites and axons), suggesting neurons may coordinate RNA stability, transport, and translation to adjust protein levels locally. (7/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
We found that activity-dependent gene expression is modulated in both soma and distal processes (dendrites and axons), suggesting neurons may coordinate RNA stability, transport, and translation to adjust protein levels locally. (7/11)
To gain some mechanistic insight, we used MPRAs, machine learning, RIP-seq and metabolic labeling and identified the RNA binding protein HuD as a key regulator of activity-dependent RNA stability. (6/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
To gain some mechanistic insight, we used MPRAs, machine learning, RIP-seq and metabolic labeling and identified the RNA binding protein HuD as a key regulator of activity-dependent RNA stability. (6/11)
And we did some in vivo validation: We also see effects on RNA stability in vivo in response to novel environment exploration, meaning this isn’t just a phenomenon in primary neurons, it also occurs in a physiologically relevant learning paradigm in the intact brain. (5/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
And we did some in vivo validation: We also see effects on RNA stability in vivo in response to novel environment exploration, meaning this isn’t just a phenomenon in primary neurons, it also occurs in a physiologically relevant learning paradigm in the intact brain. (5/11)
RNA stability changes weren’t just a side effect. For ~10% of activity-dependent transcripts, stability mattered more than transcription for determining RNA levels, challenging the transcription-centric view of gene regulation in this process. (4/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
RNA stability changes weren’t just a side effect. For ~10% of activity-dependent transcripts, stability mattered more than transcription for determining RNA levels, challenging the transcription-centric view of gene regulation in this process. (4/11)
Of ~5,000 activity-regulated transcripts, two thirds showed changes in transcription, which was expected. Unexpectedly, ~1,000 genes were regulated by RNA stability.(3/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Of ~5,000 activity-regulated transcripts, two thirds showed changes in transcription, which was expected. Unexpectedly, ~1,000 genes were regulated by RNA stability.(3/11)
When neurons fire, they need to rapidly change which genes are expressed to support processes like long-term memory. Transcriptional responses are well studied, but what about other steps in the RNA life cycle? (2/11)
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
When neurons fire, they need to rapidly change which genes are expressed to support processes like long-term memory. Transcriptional responses are well studied, but what about other steps in the RNA life cycle? (2/11)
Our new pre-print from the Greenberg and Churchman labs shows that activity-dependent modulation of RNA stability is a major, and underappreciated, mechanism of gene regulation in neurons. Tutorial below! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... (1/11)
HuD controls widespread RNA stability to drive neuronal activity-dependent responses
Neuronal activity shapes brain development and refines synaptic connectivity in part through dynamic changes in gene expression. While activity-regulated transcriptional programs have been extensively...
www.biorxiv.org
September 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Our new pre-print from the Greenberg and Churchman labs shows that activity-dependent modulation of RNA stability is a major, and underappreciated, mechanism of gene regulation in neurons. Tutorial below! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... (1/11)
I was inspired and made one last night! So good.
August 19, 2025 at 4:25 PM
I was inspired and made one last night! So good.
I'm late to this! That's the real deal! Go make a 1919 ASAP. :)
August 18, 2025 at 1:17 PM
I'm late to this! That's the real deal! Go make a 1919 ASAP. :)
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
First time posting here — and first-ever Single Molecule Conference 🧬
Held right at @embl.org Heidelberg, where I work!
4 days full of great science and great people. Fantastic meeting! 🔬
Curious to see where the single molecule field is going next! 👀
#EMBLSingleMolecule @events.embl.org
Held right at @embl.org Heidelberg, where I work!
4 days full of great science and great people. Fantastic meeting! 🔬
Curious to see where the single molecule field is going next! 👀
#EMBLSingleMolecule @events.embl.org
July 21, 2025 at 12:41 PM
First time posting here — and first-ever Single Molecule Conference 🧬
Held right at @embl.org Heidelberg, where I work!
4 days full of great science and great people. Fantastic meeting! 🔬
Curious to see where the single molecule field is going next! 👀
#EMBLSingleMolecule @events.embl.org
Held right at @embl.org Heidelberg, where I work!
4 days full of great science and great people. Fantastic meeting! 🔬
Curious to see where the single molecule field is going next! 👀
#EMBLSingleMolecule @events.embl.org
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
Honored to receive 1st Place Poster Award 🏆 at the EMBL meeting "Gene Regulation: One Molecule at a Time"!
Thank you to all who visited and engaged in exciting discussions.
Grateful to the organizers for an excellent event! #EMBLSingleMolecule
Thank you to all who visited and engaged in exciting discussions.
Grateful to the organizers for an excellent event! #EMBLSingleMolecule
July 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Honored to receive 1st Place Poster Award 🏆 at the EMBL meeting "Gene Regulation: One Molecule at a Time"!
Thank you to all who visited and engaged in exciting discussions.
Grateful to the organizers for an excellent event! #EMBLSingleMolecule
Thank you to all who visited and engaged in exciting discussions.
Grateful to the organizers for an excellent event! #EMBLSingleMolecule
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
#EMBLsinglemolecule was a blast! Happy to host the birth of single molecule genomics as a field and to think about the future with the microscopy crowd. Thanks to participants and organizers!
July 18, 2025 at 12:04 PM
#EMBLsinglemolecule was a blast! Happy to host the birth of single molecule genomics as a field and to think about the future with the microscopy crowd. Thanks to participants and organizers!
The molecular feedback mechanisms that maintain yeast mito-nuclear balance represent elegant solutions to a major vulnerability in eukaryotic cells. I was privileged to be involved in this fascinating study!
In a new study by our @pelleeas.bsky.social, we reveal how Mrx4 organizes translational regulation of cytochrome b synthesis at the mitoribosomal tunnel exit. Thanks @kawresearch.bsky.social for funding and @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social for the fun collaboration! academic.oup.com/nar/article/...
A molecular switch at the yeast mitoribosomal tunnel exit controls cytochrome b synthesis
Abstract. Mitochondrial gene expression needs to be balanced with cytosolic translation to produce oxidative phosphorylation complexes. In yeast, translati
academic.oup.com
July 18, 2025 at 9:03 AM
The molecular feedback mechanisms that maintain yeast mito-nuclear balance represent elegant solutions to a major vulnerability in eukaryotic cells. I was privileged to be involved in this fascinating study!
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
In a new study by our @pelleeas.bsky.social, we reveal how Mrx4 organizes translational regulation of cytochrome b synthesis at the mitoribosomal tunnel exit. Thanks @kawresearch.bsky.social for funding and @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social for the fun collaboration! academic.oup.com/nar/article/...
A molecular switch at the yeast mitoribosomal tunnel exit controls cytochrome b synthesis
Abstract. Mitochondrial gene expression needs to be balanced with cytosolic translation to produce oxidative phosphorylation complexes. In yeast, translati
academic.oup.com
July 18, 2025 at 7:35 AM
In a new study by our @pelleeas.bsky.social, we reveal how Mrx4 organizes translational regulation of cytochrome b synthesis at the mitoribosomal tunnel exit. Thanks @kawresearch.bsky.social for funding and @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social for the fun collaboration! academic.oup.com/nar/article/...
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
🗨️💡Great conversations during well-attended lunch time panel discussions at #EMBLSingleMolecule
Panel 1️⃣: Single molecule genomics data analysis
Chair: @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social
Panel 2️⃣: Single molecule microscopy data analysis
Chairs: @laghalab.bsky.social, Dan Larson
@arnaudkr.bsky.social
Panel 1️⃣: Single molecule genomics data analysis
Chair: @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social
Panel 2️⃣: Single molecule microscopy data analysis
Chairs: @laghalab.bsky.social, Dan Larson
@arnaudkr.bsky.social
July 17, 2025 at 2:07 PM
🗨️💡Great conversations during well-attended lunch time panel discussions at #EMBLSingleMolecule
Panel 1️⃣: Single molecule genomics data analysis
Chair: @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social
Panel 2️⃣: Single molecule microscopy data analysis
Chairs: @laghalab.bsky.social, Dan Larson
@arnaudkr.bsky.social
Panel 1️⃣: Single molecule genomics data analysis
Chair: @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social
Panel 2️⃣: Single molecule microscopy data analysis
Chairs: @laghalab.bsky.social, Dan Larson
@arnaudkr.bsky.social
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
Absolutely thrilled of hosting the #EMBLSingleMolecule community together @embl.org for the first time under one roof! Exciting data and prospects!
💬❓ We like a good Q&A session – a lot of great questions following every talk at 'Genre regulation: one molecule at a time'! Keep asking yours, both in the auditorium and online 🙌🏼 #EMBLSingleMolecule
@arnaudkr.bsky.social @embl.org
@arnaudkr.bsky.social @embl.org
July 17, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Absolutely thrilled of hosting the #EMBLSingleMolecule community together @embl.org for the first time under one roof! Exciting data and prospects!
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
🍪 Taking a breather at 'Gene regulation: one molecule at a time' — where the science is complex, but the coffee is simple (and much needed!).
From single-molecule insights to lively hallway conversations, it's clear: breakthroughs happen both in the lab and over lattes. ☕🧬
#EMBLSingleMolecule
From single-molecule insights to lively hallway conversations, it's clear: breakthroughs happen both in the lab and over lattes. ☕🧬
#EMBLSingleMolecule
July 15, 2025 at 3:05 PM
🍪 Taking a breather at 'Gene regulation: one molecule at a time' — where the science is complex, but the coffee is simple (and much needed!).
From single-molecule insights to lively hallway conversations, it's clear: breakthroughs happen both in the lab and over lattes. ☕🧬
#EMBLSingleMolecule
From single-molecule insights to lively hallway conversations, it's clear: breakthroughs happen both in the lab and over lattes. ☕🧬
#EMBLSingleMolecule
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
A big day for preventing mitochondrial diseases from transmitting to the next generation
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
July 17, 2025 at 1:25 AM
A big day for preventing mitochondrial diseases from transmitting to the next generation
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
Welcome to the inaugural edition of 'Gene regulation: one molecule at a time' 🤩🧬 #EMBLSingleMolecule
Most of the participants are already on site – now time for some science!
Our Scientific Organisers:
🔹 @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social
🔹@arnaudkr.bsky.social
🔹 @laghalab.bsky.social
🔹 Daniel Larson
Most of the participants are already on site – now time for some science!
Our Scientific Organisers:
🔹 @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social
🔹@arnaudkr.bsky.social
🔹 @laghalab.bsky.social
🔹 Daniel Larson
July 15, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Welcome to the inaugural edition of 'Gene regulation: one molecule at a time' 🤩🧬 #EMBLSingleMolecule
Most of the participants are already on site – now time for some science!
Our Scientific Organisers:
🔹 @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social
🔹@arnaudkr.bsky.social
🔹 @laghalab.bsky.social
🔹 Daniel Larson
Most of the participants are already on site – now time for some science!
Our Scientific Organisers:
🔹 @stirlingchurchman.bsky.social
🔹@arnaudkr.bsky.social
🔹 @laghalab.bsky.social
🔹 Daniel Larson
Reposted by Stirling Churchman
🧬 🧪The world’s on 🔥 BUT in the interest of sharing small wins, I am helping build something cool at EpiCypher that I'm proud of:
Fiber-seq is an LRS assay that maps chromatin accessibility, DNAme, and DNA sequence on single molecules.
If your jam is functional genomics/epigenetics, check this out.
Fiber-seq is an LRS assay that maps chromatin accessibility, DNAme, and DNA sequence on single molecules.
If your jam is functional genomics/epigenetics, check this out.
🚀 We’re launching Fiber-seq, a multiomic approach that combines chromatin accessibility, CpG methylation, and DNA sequence in one long-read sequencing assay.
We’re inviting a limited group of early users to try Fiber-seq at no cost.
Interested? Learn more 👉 explore.epicypher.com/fiber-seq-su...
We’re inviting a limited group of early users to try Fiber-seq at no cost.
Interested? Learn more 👉 explore.epicypher.com/fiber-seq-su...
June 18, 2025 at 8:45 PM
🧬 🧪The world’s on 🔥 BUT in the interest of sharing small wins, I am helping build something cool at EpiCypher that I'm proud of:
Fiber-seq is an LRS assay that maps chromatin accessibility, DNAme, and DNA sequence on single molecules.
If your jam is functional genomics/epigenetics, check this out.
Fiber-seq is an LRS assay that maps chromatin accessibility, DNAme, and DNA sequence on single molecules.
If your jam is functional genomics/epigenetics, check this out.