Investigating Glycosylation-Induced tRNA Dynamics through Computational Modelling and Exploring the Biochemical Basis of the Health-Promoting Effects of Blue Mussels
Monday, Nov. 10, 1-2 p.m.
CSF-1302
Hello Everyone,
You are warmly invited to attend the upcoming seminar on Monday, November 10th, 2025. Please find the details below.
November 10th, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
CSF-1302
The direct link for the meeting is:
https://mun.webex.com/mun/j.php?MTID=mc38814e59a7ecf93ea449f2f8b2f3698
Speaker: Aaron Pye
Title: Investigating Glycosylation-Induced tRNA Dynamics through Computational Modelling
Abstract:
GlycoRNAs are a recently discovered group of RNA molecules with diverse glycan modifications, which are displayed on the cell surface. GlycoRNAs have been proposed to participate in key cellular processes, such as cell signaling, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Several short non-coding RNAs (e.g., Y RNAs, snoRNAs, and tRNAs) can be glycosylated, with tRNAs being the focus of this study. In tRNAs, glycans are attached through modified nucleobases, including the uracil derivative acp3U, which can occur at two distinct positions. Using computational modelling techniques, we created and parameterized a model of acp3U for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We then performed MD simulations of tRNAs containing acp3U at each modification site, as well as glyco-tRNA models containing different glycan structures. By comparing modified tRNAs and unmodified tRNAs, we characterized the impacts of glycosylation on tRNA structure and dynamics. Our approach establishes a framework for computationally studying glycoRNA, enabling simulation of alternate RNA types, and glycan structures. Ultimately, this research provides a structural foundation for understanding glycoRNA and guiding future experimental research into the roles of glycoRNA in health and disease.
Speaker: Amal Samarasinghe
Title: Exploring the Biochemical Basis of the Health-Promoting Effects of Blue Mussels
Abstract:
Marine mussels (phylum Mollusca, class Bivalvia, family Mytilidae) represent one of the most diverse and ecologically significant groups of marine invertebrates, comprising nearly 25% of all marine species. Through evolution, mussels have developed a flattened bivalve body plan and adapted to sessile filter-feeding lifestyles, supported by features such as byssal attachment and mantle fusion. They exhibit remarkable resilience to diseases compared with other bivalves and rely solely on innate immune mechanisms. Globally, mussels are an important seafood resource, consumed in live, frozen, or processed forms. Commercially valuable species belong primarily to the Mytilus and Perna genera, with Mytilus edulis(blue mussel) being widely cultivated in temperate waters of Europe, and North America, including Canada.
In Canada, the annual blue mussel production reaches approximately 23,000 tonnes, with key contributions from Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. Although Newfoundland’s share in global production is modest, blue mussels play a crucial role in the local economy due to the region’s ideal cold-water aquaculture conditions. Blue mussels are available year-round in various commercial forms, including live, frozen, and value-added packaged products.
Nutritionally, marine blue mussels are rich in high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, glycogen, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a sustainable source of nutrients with potential health benefits. Previous studies have reported their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, and anticoagulant properties, suggesting their potential as functional food and nutraceutical ingredients. However, the molecular origin of these health-promoting effects remains underexplored.
This study aims to identify and characterize phenolic compounds and phytosterols present in Newfoundland blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and to evaluate their potential bioactivities related to human health. Additionally, the influence of heat treatments on the availability and functionality of these compounds will be assessed. Understanding the bioactive profile and health-promoting potential of Newfoundland blue mussels will support their further development as a functional food, helping the local and the Canadian seafood industry.
All are welcome to attend. Please mark your calendars and join us for these exciting presentations.
Presented by Department of Human Biosciences