Welcome to the Nam Lab

How structure and chemistry govern RNA-protein interactions

The Nam lab asks how the shape of an RNA regulates its function. We study the biochemical and structural mechanisms in RNA-mediated gene regulation pathways important for normal and disease states.

Our research Join the lab

Research

Research areas

All research

RNAs often exert their functionality through unique interactions with proteins. We are studying how noncoding RNAs are processed and regulated by RNA-binding proteins and chemical modifications. Using biochemistry and structural biology, we dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying specific, important RNA-protein interactions that contribute to diseases such as cancer. We ground our studies to biology by using cell and animal models and the validated mechanistic insights help us find novel therapeutic avenues.

Processing

Drug Discovery and Disease Mechanisms

Mission

Our Mission

The Nam lab’s mission is to elucidate the structural and molecular mechanisms that underlie the function and regulation of RNA-protein complexes through innovative, flexible, and rigorous research. We aim to integrate our understanding of RNA processes into uncovering the mechanisms of human diseases. We welcome the contributions and perspectives of talented and driven scientific researchers, regardless of superficial differences. We find strength in each member’s unique journey as we learn from one another. Every lab member is expected to contribute to a warm and professional team atmosphere, and all are encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We trust that our efforts to cultivate a thriving culture will lead us to success and make our scientific journey more fulfilling.

Publications

Recent publications

All publications

Nature · 2026
Substrate selectivity of the human RNA m(5)C methyltransferase NSUN2.
Canepa J, Ruiz-Arroyo VM, Schlamowitz NS, Nam Y.
Blood · 2026
Targeting the METTL1/m7G axis as a therapeutic strategy in myeloid leukemia.
Ren L, Zhang H, Bobileva O, Nai F, Bi H, Chan A, Baker GE, Dong L, Guarin D, Hu W, Li W, Leite I, Wang X, Zhang X, Xue M, Wang H, Qin H, Wu X, Ghoda L, Xu L, Zhang B, Li L, Wunderlich M, Mulloy JC, Jones CL, O'Leary SE, Li H, Rosen ST, Chen CD, Heisterkamp N, Perry JJP, Nam Y, Chen J, Caflisch A, Li X, Su R.
Sci Adv · 2024
Cancer mutations rewire the RNA methylation specificity of METTL3-METTL14.
Zhang C, Scott RL, Tunes L, Hsieh MH, Wang P, Kumar A, Khadgi BB, Yang YY, Doxtader Lacy KA, Herrell E, Zhang X, Evers B, Wang Y, Xing C, Zhu H, Nam Y.

People