Objective
Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells is directly involved in such biological processes as cell proliferation and differentiation as well as virus infection. The gene expression in eukaryotic cells is determined to a considerable extent by proteins of messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs). The universal mRNP proteins associated with the majority of mRNAs control the overall protein synthesizing activity in the cell, whereas specific mRNP proteins can perform a selective control over synthesis of individual proteins. One of the universal mRNP proteins, p50, a member of the Y-box binding transcription factor family, controls protein biosynthesis during both mRNA transcription- and translation initiation. Depending on the p50/mRNA ratio, this protein can either promote or inhibit the complicated multistep process of translation initiation.
The current project will reveal the exact initiation steps promoted or inhibited by p50. Also, the p50 effect on internal translation initiation of picornaviral RNA will be studied. The effect of p50 on mRNA and mRNP structures as a presumable cause of changes in mRNA messenger activity will be considered. Anti-p50 antibodies will be used to study the mechanism of total mRNA masking in dormant wheat germ cells. Finally, anti-p50 antibodies as well as Y-box DNA will be used in searching for p50-related proteins in yeast.
Thus, the proposed joint project will contribute to our knowledge of the mechanism of translation regulation of cellular and viral RNAs, and in the long run, to development of a new strategy in fighting viral infections. The project will allow the six partners to accelerate tackling these problems on the basis of their advanced techniques and unique preparations.
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
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3584 CH Utrecht
Netherlands