Principles of mRNA regulation by piRNAs in stem cells: biological functions and molecular mechanisms

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Claus-Dieter Kuhn, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology ; Biochemistry ; Developmental Biology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 490817893

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a specific class of small non-coding RNAs, have recently emerged as key regulators of mRNA surveillance in various stem cell lineages. This significantly expands their established role in the control of transposable elements in germ cells. In this project, we will address the functions and molecular mechanisms of mRNA regulation by piRNAs in two outstanding stem cell models: germline stem cells in Drosophila ovaries and pluripotent stem cells in planarians. Stem cells use glycolysis instead of oxidative phosphorylation as major metabolic pathway. Strikingly, our current data suggest the direct regulation of metabolic mRNAs by piRNAs. We will combine cutting-edge Drosophila genetics, imaging, ribonomics, mass spectrometry and bioinformatics to examine this novel function of piRNAs in stem cell metabolic reprogramming and its evolutionary conservation. Our results should have high impacts in understanding the emerging role of piRNAs in stem cell biology and their mechanisms of action.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Martine Simonelig, Ph.D.