Project description
Investigating PABPCs in RNA regulation and homeostasis
RNA is essential for life, and cells maintain its concentration (RNA homeostasis) by balancing synthesis and degradation. A feedback mechanism may coordinate mRNA levels through a ‘sensor’ that communicates mRNA concentrations to transcription and degradation controls. Cytoplasmic poly(A)-binding proteins (PABPCs) bind to mRNAs to regulate their stability and translation, but their role in maintaining RNA homeostasis under physiological conditions remains unclear. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the RNAhome project will use PABPC titration, metabolic labelling, and multiplexed imaging to analyse RNA dynamics in response to varying PABPC levels and localisation, aiming to uncover fundamental mechanisms of RNA homeostasis and broader principles of gene regulation.
Objective
RNA is a biomolecule central to all life forms, and cells regulate RNA production and degradation rates to maintain stable RNA concentrations (RNA homeostasis) through a largely unexplored mechanism. Increasing evidence indicates that a feedback mechanism coordinates mRNA synthesis and degradation, allowing cells to buffer mRNA concentration. For the coordination of these processes, I hypothesise the existence of a “sensor” that “measures” mRNA concentration and conveys this information to the transcription and/or degradation machinery, establishing a coordinated response.
Cytoplasmic Poly(A)-binding proteins (PABPCs) are highly conserved across eukaryotes, and specifically bind to polyadenylated mRNAs, regulating their stability, translation, and degradation. Several properties of PABPCs, such as nuclear shuttling and transcription inhibition in response to viral infection, make them ideal candidates as mRNA sensors, yet it is unclear whether they control mRNA homeostasis in physiological conditions.
RNAhome will characterise the role of PABPCs in mRNA buffering and homeostasis using a systemic approach. I will conduct PABPC titration, followed by metabolic labelling and multiplexed imaging, to analyse RNA dynamics in response to varying PABPC expression and localisation. I will use my extensive expertise in nanoinjection to introduce mRNA into live cells and assess if PABPCs can directly sense mRNA levels and modulate transcription/turnover accordingly. Finally, I will use SLAMseq to measure genome-wide RNA dynamics with transcript-level resolution, establishing the impact of PABPC expression on mRNA dynamics.
RNAhome is a prime example of interdisciplinary science, combining the researcher’s expertise in bio-nanotechnology and physical sciences with RNA dynamics knowledge of the host group, and world-class facilities of the host organisation to unravel the fundamental mechanisms governing RNA homeostasis and drive innovation in RNA-based technologies.
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 biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
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
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
20157 Milano
Italy
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.