Objective
The aim of this proposal is to explore the role of non-coding genetic information by identifying novel non-coding RNA genes (ncRNAs) and analyse their mechanisms of action and impact on cell differentiation and disease. We will concentrate on ncRNAs acting on post-transcriptional processes and bring together European laboratories with expertise in RNA biology, bioinformatics/prediction software and industrial exploitation of genomes. Using multidisciplinary functional genomic approaches, we will address a hitherto under-investigated topic and generate highly novel information on gene content and function in Arabidopsis thaliana, Caenorhibditis elegans, mouse and human. We will mine databases and use a large-scale genomic approach (RNomics) to search for new ncRNAs in diverse organisms and for their human orthologues. We will construct ncRNAs gene-chips and study their expression in different genetic backgrounds and cellular or developmental conditions, including cancer cell lines. Using multidisciplinary approaches, we will unravel new regulatory processes and mechanisms involving ncRNAs, highly informative by their generality and/or their direct relation to human diseases, We will study the composition of protein complexes containing the ncRNAs, their mode of action and impact. Altering ncRNA activity will be evaluated through transcriptome to identify potential targets in RNA-mediated developmental rocesses. The knowledge generated by this project is urgently required to correctly exploit the huge amount of sequence data available and to better integrate post-genomic research into biomédical and biotechnological approaches. This project will give European biotechnology industries a critical leading edge to exploit the full potential of genome information to underpin applications to human health. The proposed work will also provide knowledge to develop technologies and therapeutic tools based on RNA molecules.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
FP6-2002-LIFESCIHEALTH
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Funding Scheme
STREP - Specific Targeted Research ProjectCoordinator
PARIS
France