Objective Dendritic cells (DCs) are a critical component of the innate immune system, as they play a major role in pathogen-sensing, initiation of inflammatory reactions, and activation of cells of the adaptive immune system. DCs express several isoforms of the toll-like receptor (TLR) family and other pattern recognition receptors that interact with molecular structures conserved among many microbial species. These interactions initiate a pathogen-specific tailored signaling- transcriptional response, which activates thousands of genes necessary to alert the adaptive immune system and eliminate the pathogenic threat. One of the key questions is how are these gene programs generated and regulated?Eukaryotic genomes transcribe several types of RNA molecules, ranging from protein-coding mRNA molecules to short non-coding transcripts. Large non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecules are probably the least studied of all RNA species, and for a long time were considered to be “transcriptional noise”. Recent studies highlight the importance of lncRNA in multiple physiological and pathological responses ranging from embryonic stem cell function to cancer.In this study we would like to investigate the role of lncRNAs and chromatin regulators in coordinating a genetic network that directs the observed dynamic output of TLR-activated pathways. We will use high throughput methods to measure the expression of lncRNA in dendritic cells, activated by pathogen components. We will validate the functional roles of these lncRNA using RNAi and asses their mechanistic role in the TLR pathway by elucidating the physical association between these lncRNAs and chromatin regulators. This will allow us to illuminate the roles lncRNAs play in pathogen sensing in mammals. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cellsmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNAnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomeseukaryotic genomes Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE EU contribution € 100 000,00 Address HERZL STREET 234 7610001 Rehovot Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Gabi Bernstein (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
