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Structure and function of repeat-derived non-coding RNAs in epigenetic regulation of mammalian pericentric heterochromatin

Objective

A significant fraction of mammalian genomes is composed of repetitive elements, such as pericentric major satellite repeats. Repetitive elements present a critical challenge to genome stability because these regions are prone to recombination. To safeguard genome integrity, these repetitive sequences are maintained in an epigenetically silent heterochromatic state to prevent mutagenic recombination. A confounding enigma revealed by recent transcriptome-wide studies is that repetitive elements are actively transcribed into noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Furthermore, these repeat-derived transcripts are themselves important to maintain the heterochromatic structure at repetitive elements. Nevertheless, it appears that a certain balance must be achieved since overexpression of repeat-derived ncRNAs is a hallmark of the most common types of cancer. How repeat-derived ncRNAs function in epigenetic regulation of heterochromatin is poorly understood. In this proposed study, ncRNAs transcribed from mouse pericentric major satellite repeats will be investigated as a paradigm to understand the precise mechanism of how these ncRNAs regulate heterochromatin formation. The key element of the proposed study is characterizing the function of major satellite RNAs from a structural perspective. This is a novel and promising approach because the functions of RNA molecules are intimately linked with their ability to fold into complex structures. A possible scenario is that accurate folding of major satellite RNA directs the local recruitment of chromatin complexes to pericentric loci. To address this hypothesis, the proposed research programme aims to achieve the following: (i) determine the structure of major satellite RNAs; (ii) determine if major satellite RNAs are divided into functional domains and how this relates to the structure; and (iii) determine how the structure of major satellite RNAs influence their interaction with pericentric DNA and chromatin-associated proteins.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

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Coordinator

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 159 460,80
Address
HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany

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Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 159 460,80
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