PRIN 2017 - 2017P35274_005 - LS1 - Dott.ssa Caffarelli-Titolo: "Non coding RNAs, new players in gene expression regulation: studying their role in neuronal differentiation and in neurodegeneration (DSB.AD006.255)

Area tematica

Scienze biomediche

Area progettuale

Struttura responsabile del progetto di ricerca

Istituto di biologia e patologia molecolari (IBPM)

Responsabile di progetto

ELISA CAFFARELLI
Telefono: 0649912217
E-mail: elisa.caffarlli@gmail.com

Abstract

More than half of the mammalian transcriptome encodes for RNA molecules lacking coding activity. ncRNAs have been shown to play regulatory functions in brain, both in normal and pathological conditions. This project aims to study how ncRNAs participate in the regulatory circuitries required for the control of neuronal differentiation and to define their role in neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS SMA. Through advanced genetic approaches, innovative RNA-based techniques and cutting-edge imaging methods we will define the nuclear and cytoplasmic functions of a selected number of species. The teams bring together complementary capabilities including biochemical skills to study ncRNA biogenesis and structure, to identify their interactors and to analyse their involvement in gene expression control. They have set up efficient systems to differentiate mouse ES and human iPS cells into diverse neuronal lineages, including motor neurons. This research will provide increase in our understanding of basic molecular processes controlled by ncRNAs and constitute a largely unexplored territory for the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics

Obiettivi

The project aims to discover new mechanisms of gene expression regulation controlled by ncRNAs and how they impact in neuronal differentiation and in neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, the project will focus on two motor neuron degenerative diseases, ALS and SMA, that are among the most common motoneuron diseases and whose pathogenic relevance is linked to altered RNA binding protein (RBP) functions and defective RNA metabolism

Data inizio attività

19/08/2019

Parole chiave

EPIGENETICS AND GENE REGULATION, NON CODING RNA, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND INTERACTIONS

Ultimo aggiornamento: 23/04/2024