Characterization of small RNA pathways in the nucleus of human somatic cells (B04)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2011 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 185476941

Although miRNA-guided gene silencing is a cytoplasmic process, Ago proteins and other gene silencing factors are also found in the nucleus of human somatic cells. In project B4, nuclear import routes and nuclear functions of gene silencing factors will be investigated. We will investigate which proteins and RNAs Ago and TNRC6 proteins associate with in the nucleus. Furthermore, we will unravel which TNRC6-intrinsic structural features are important for the formation of P-bodies. In addition to TNRC6 proteins, we will further analyze implications of nuclear Ago localization on gene silencing processes in the cytoplasm and the nucleus.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 960: Ribosome Formation: Principles of RNP Biogenesis and Control of their Function
• Applicant Institution: Universität Regensburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Gunter Meister