Ute Kothe

Ute Kothe is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on ribosome biogenesis, RNA modifications, and molecular mechanisms underlying protein-RNA interactions in both bacteria and eukaryotes. She employs multidisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and genetics to study RNA modification enzymes and their roles in cellular processes.

Her research group investigates early stages of ribosome assembly, emphasizing the functional cooperation between proteins and RNA. Current projects include studying RNA modification pathways in tRNA and rRNA, particularly the roles of H/ACA snoRNPs and pseudouridine synthases. Techniques used include in vitro reconstitution, fluorescent labeling, and analytical ultracentrifugation.

Recent work has explored tRNA maturation defects linked to human diseases, with a focus on how modifications affect translational fidelity and cellular fitness. Two graduate student positions are currently available in her lab.