Objective It has recently become apparent that post-transcriptional editing of mRNA by methylation of adenosines (m6A) plays a key role in regulating gene expression. In particular, total loss of m6A editing blocks the development of early embryos in a number of organisms. However, how m6A modifications, which are added in the nucleus and primarily detected by 3 cytoplasmic “reader” proteins, exert their effects remains unknown. The presence of m6A on viral transcripts has been known for 40 years, yet has only recently been shown to enhance HIV-1 gene expression and replication. Influenza A virus (IAV) that, like HIV-1, replicates in the nucleus, is known to bear a high level of m6A on viral RNA. However, whether and how m6A editing affects IAV replication remains unknown. Here, the researcher proposes the investigation of the role of m6A in IAV pathogenesis. The main objectives of this proposal are; to compile a precise map of m6A sites on IAV-PR8 RNA, determine their functional significance on replication and RNA trafficking, assess how m6A machinery is altered in IAV infected cells, and evaluate the conservation of these sites across additional pathogenic IAV strains.Preliminary data demonstrates that IAV gene expression may be enhanced by overexpression of the m6A reader proteins. Therefore the researcher proposes that IAV may subvert the m6A modification pathway to enhance viral RNA expression. Mapping of m6A modifications will be performed using PAR-CLIP and PA-m6A-seq, while RNAi, CRISPR knockouts and lentiviral overexpression systems will be utilised to determine the functional role of m6A editing on IAV pathogenesis. This fellowship will provide the researcher with an excellent opportunity to work at 2 highly regarded research institutes and advance his knowledge in virology and RNA biology. The skills acquired through completion of this fellowship will greatly assist him in his future endeavours including the establishment of his own European research group. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesRNA virusesinfluenzanatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNAmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsantivirals Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2016 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-GF - Global Fellowships Coordinator INSTITUT PASTEUR Net EU contribution € 264 668,40 Address Rue du docteur roux 25-28 75724 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Partners (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all Partner Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement. DUKE UNIVERSITY United States Net EU contribution € 0,00 Address Allen building 207 27708 Durham nc See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 172 130,40
