Parker Nichols

Parker.Nichols@cuanschutz.edu

(Parker is a joint student with the Vogeli lab.)

"I am excited to study how RNA structure and dynamics dictates function as a new addition to both the Kieft and Vogeli labs. Specifically, I am working on understanding how the RNA binding domains of human ADAR1 recognize unique RNA conformations in order to regulate the cellular immune response and how Xrn1-resistant RNA folding dynamics plays a role in inhibiting degradation by exonuclease Xrn1. These questions are critical in understanding the complex interactions between viruses and their hosts."

Parker grew up in Oregon, and spent a lot of time in Portland. Therefore, he is a fan of microbreweries and good restaurants, as long as they are not too popular... He is passionate about science, especially structural biology, and he aspires to become a master of all three structural techniques. In his free time, he likes to hike and play tennis.

Parker posing with a giant cut-out of his face in front of his own face

Parker - he’s a fan… of himself

A brindle greyhound lying on the grass looking very comfortable

Fun fact: Scully is part spider

A brindle greyhound lying in tall grass and I'm sure refusing to move

Scully doing her best to recreate crop circles. The truth is out there.

Scully dreams of one day owning property on the waterfront. In this economy, Scully?!

If you only knew how difficult it is to just sign up for these pottery classes, you would also be impressed.

Publications in the Kieft Lab

Nichols, P.J., Bevers, S., Henen, M. Kieft, J.S., Vicens, Q., and Vogeli, B. Recognition of non-CpG repeats in Alu and ribosomal RNAs by the Z-RNA binding domain of ADAR1 induces A-Z junctions. Nat Commun 12, 793 (2021).