Our research group is interested in understanding how RNAs change their structures in order to perform function. Until recently, only snapshots of molecules could be observed, hiding their mode of operation. We employ Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and other biophysical techniques, to investigate the molecular mechanism of RNA function. When function of these molecular machines becomes apparent, it also provides a variety of unique new drug targets. The lab develops methods in NMR and RNA biochemistry to address these questions. Current projects include viral, bacterial and eukaryotic regulatory RNAs, e.g. microRNAs, ribosomal RNAs or RNA from HBV.
Congratulations to Joanna and Rubin for their latest paper, in collaboration with the Aguilo Lab, which has just been accepted for publication in Cancer Letters! The study uncovers a complex interplay between FBL, rRNA 2′-O-methylation, and RPS28 in shaping the translation of specific oncoproteins and ribosomal composition in triple-negative breast cancer.Well done to everyone involved!
We are happy to welcome Aliki Karafotia as a new M.Sc. student to our lab. Welcome!
We are excited to share our new preprint on bioRxiv! In this study, we identify a new intermediate in WCF to HG transition and show that 1H R1ρ can be used even when NOE’s are present. Read more: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.677141v1
We are happy to welcome Rosalie to our lab as a new research assistant!
We’re welcoming our new postdoctoral researcher Dr. Jayanti Vaishnav who is joining us to work on ribosome dyamics and in-cell NMR.
Katja Petzold has been awarded the 2025 Eric K. Fernström Swedish Prize for her and the whole lab’s contribution to fundamental knowledge and understanding of structural biology and the dynamics of RNA at the molecular level. Congratulations! Read more here: https://www.uu.se/en/news/2025/2025-09-17-eric-k.-fernstrom-swedish-prize-awarded-to-katja-petzold
We are happy to welcome two new M.Sc. students to our lab: Zineb from Goethe University (Frankfurt, Germany) and Riccardo from Uppsala University. Welcome!
We are excited to share our new preprint on ChemRxiv! In this study, we introduce a method to boost the sensitivity of RNA NMR by attaching a special spin label (AsymPol) directly to RNA. This enables selective signal enhancement, opening possibilities for studying RNA structure and function even at very low concentrations. Read more: https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68b808b6a94eede154466329
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Petzold lab at Uppsala University
Petzold lab at Karolinska Institutet
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM)
Petzold lab at BMC (D9:3)
Uppsala University
Department of Medical BIochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM)
Husargatan 3
752 37 Uppsala
Sweden
Katja Petzold
Uppsala University, BMC D9:3
IMBIM
Husargatan 3
752 37 Uppsala
Sweden