Objective
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large class of noncoding regulatory RNAs. In animals miRNAs base-pair with the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of their target mRNAs to target them for cleavage or translational repression. Repressed target mRNAs accumulate in cytoplasmic structures termed P-bodies, where some targets may be degraded. Other targets appear to be stable and can subsequently be re-expressed. In either case, target degradation or re-expression, the fate of the repressing miRNAs remains obscure and we do not know whether they are recycled or degraded. Similarly, while miRNA expression patterns have been observed to be very dynamic, nothing is known about a “clearance” mechanism that could remove miRNAs from a cell upon transition from one developmental state to another. As both miRNA under- and over-expression can cause developmental abnormalities and human diseases such as cancer can result. These observations indicate the need for faithful control of miRNA levels in the cell. Generally, the accumulation of any cellular RNA is regulated by balancing transcription and RNA degradation. But while we have gained considerable knowledge about miRNA biogenesis, we know nothing about miRNA turnover, let alone quality control or surveillance mechanisms. I propose to perform genetic and biochemical analyses to identify and characterize components of miRNA turnover/degradation machinery in C. elegans. By addressing the lifespan (half-life) and turn-over of miRNAs in vivo, this work has the potential to generate novel insights into normal development and disease, especially many forms of cancer that are often associated with deregulation of miRNAs. Ultimately the identified components can serve as spring-boards to venture into the mammalian systems and provide crucial insights for our understanding of miRNA function in animals.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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.
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.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-2-IIF
See other projects for this call
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.
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.
Coordinator
4058 BASEL
Switzerland
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.