The primary interests of my group are the molecular signals which control the expression and function of mRNA molecules. We study RNA polymerase II promoters and the mechanisms of splicing, polyadenylation and RNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. A recent area of interest has been the mechanism of action of naturally-occurring antisense RNA regulation in mammalian cells. Our preferred model system is the mouse polyoma virus, but we are also using other systems, including histone genes, the HIV-1 virus and yeast.