Role of GW182 proteins in miRNA-mediated gene silencing

• Applicant: Dr. Elisa Izaurralde (†)
• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2007 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 33442413

MicroRNAs are genome-encoded small RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and play critical roles in a wide range of important biological processes including cell growth, division and differentiation. To exert their regulatory function, miRNAs associate with Argonaute proteins (AGOs) to form RNA-induced silencing complexes (miRISCs), which repress translation and/or trigger degradation of target mRNAs. The proteins required for miRNA biogenesis (i.e. Drosha and Dicer) are well characterized, as are the Argonaute proteins involved in the effector step of silencing. In addition, genetic screens and biochemical purifications in diverse organisms identified additional factors required for miRNA expression and function. Some of these factors are species, target or miRNA specific; others play a general role in miRNA-mediated gene silencing and are conserved in diverse organisms. Amongst proteins that play a general role, those in the GW182 family have emerged as key components of miRNA repressive complexes in animal cells. The aim of this project is to understand the precise molecular function of GW182 proteins in the miRNA pathway.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 855: Cytoplasmic Regulation of Gene Expression