Alison Sexton
Papers
1
Total Citations
111
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1
About
Alison Sexton is a molecular biologist whose research centers on post-transcriptional gene regulation, particularly in the context of inflammation and immune response. Her most cited work, "Identification of RNA-binding Proteins in RAW 264.7 Cells That Recognize a Lipopolysaccharide-responsive Element in the 3-Untranslated Region of the Murine Cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA" (2004, 111 citations), made a significant contribution to understanding how cells rapidly control gene expression during inflammation. Sexton identified specific RNA-binding proteins that interact with the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA, a key enzyme in inflammatory signaling. Her work demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide treatment triggers post-transcriptional mechanisms—mediated through defined UTR elements—that stabilize COX-2 mRNA and enhance its translation. This discovery illuminated a critical layer of regulation in the inflammatory cascade, showing that cells can fine-tune protein production without altering transcription. By mapping these RNA-protein interactions, Sexton provided foundational insights into how immune cells like macrophages rapidly respond to bacterial threats. Her research has been widely cited by scientists studying inflammation, RNA biology, and host-pathogen interactions, cementing her reputation as a careful investigator of the molecular switches that control gene expression in disease.
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