Objective
All kingdoms possess a large fraction of RNA-based regulation. We identified several small non-coding regulatory RNAs (ncRNAs) in the human bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes that controlled virulence by a direct RNA:RNA interaction. My group have also identified several 5´-untranslated RNAs (5´-UTRs) known to control expression of their downstream mRNA by a switch mechanism triggered by certain metabolites, specific compartments of the host or by different temperatures.
In the suggested project, we will analyze the mechanism by how various RNA-species function on a molecular level by biochemical and genetic approaches. By constructing mutations (deletion and base-substitutions), the role of the regulatory RNAs and their targets during pathogenesis will be pin-pointed using different virulence model organisms. For 5´-UTRs binding specific metabolites, we will add non-metabolic analogs to examine if such molecules can block the function of the 5´-UTRs and hence infection. The core structure of one identified ncRNA will be used as a scaffold to develop an RNA interference system in bacteria.
At least one RNA-helicase has been shown to be essential for bacterial motility and growth at 4°C. It is being purified to test its in vitro properties at mRNA targets and at different temperatures. Its in vivo role will be analyzed by genetic techniques.
Bacterial resistance against different antibiotics is an increasing problem worldwide. We have identified one pyridine molecule specifically targeting listerial virulence gene expression and its mechanism of action will be revealed by genetic and biochemical techniques. A diffusible, although yet unknown molecule, with bacteriostatic activity was observed and its nature and mechanism will be revealed mainly by biochemical experiments.
Our work will give important knowledge of how the bacterium uses RNA to sense its surroundings, but will also identifiy new types of antibacterial agents.
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 microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs antibiotics
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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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.
ERC-2010-StG_20091118
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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.
Host institution
901 87 UMEA
Sweden
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.