Project description
Unlocking how RNA shapes gene regulation
Methylation is a vital process that regulates how genes work, and the METTL3/METTL14 methyltransferase complex (MTC) plays a key role in this. This complex modifies long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) such as Xist and MALAT1, which are linked to cancer development. However, scientists lack detailed structural knowledge about how MTC interacts with these RNAs. This gap is especially evident for RNA-binding cofactors like RBM15 and ZC3H13, whose roles are poorly understood. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the RRMs-lncRNA project aims to uncover how MTC and its cofactors modify structured lncRNAs. Using advanced techniques, the project will reveal how different parts of the complex work together, shedding light on crucial processes that could inform future cancer therapies.
Objective
The human METTL3/METTL14 methyltransferase complex (MTC) is responsible for the m6A methylation of a large set of RNAs, and plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis. It targets numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including Xist and MALAT1. To date, studies have only considered single-stranded RNA motifs, and a critical need for structural information on the complex in interaction with lncRNA has grown over the years. METTL3 and METTL14 form a heterodimer through their catalytic domains (MTDs). Additionally, each monomer comprises flexible regions that are essential to the complex activity but have been truncated because of their dynamics: the METTL3 tandem zinc-finger domains (ZFDs) and the RGG region of METTL14. Moreover, two cofactors of the MTC display a significant importance for its activity in vivo but have never been studied in interaction with lncRNA: the RNA Binding Motif protein 15 (RBM15) and the Zinc Finger CCCH-Type Containing 13 protein (ZC3H13). This project aims at understand how structured regions of lncRNAs are recognized by the functionally active MTC and its cofactors at an atomic level. For that purpose, we will measure the binding and methylation activity of both the ZFDs and RGG region to a set of RNA targets – corresponding to modified region of Xist and MALAT1 – in the context of the whole MTC with or without the cofactors. By using mutated and post-translationally modified protein, we will assess (i) the lncRNA binding cooperativity between ZFD and the MTD, (ii) the role of the RGG region methylation in lncRNA binding structure specificity, (iii) the role of the cofactors in lncRNA recognition. Finally, combining 13C methyl-TROSY experiments, segmental labeling, and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement, we will access the dynamics of the complex in interaction with the lncRNA in solution. We expect to bring high-impact structural information of the specific recognition, recruitment and modification of lncRNAs by the MTC.
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.
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- 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.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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.
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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85764 Neuherberg
Germany
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