Project description
Decoding RNA localisation to advance plant gene regulation
The location of RNA within a cell plays a key role in controlling gene expression, but the mechanisms that determine where RNA molecules are transported and retained remain poorly understood, particularly in plants. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the D-POLARIS project will provide the first comprehensive analysis of the rules governing RNA localisation in plant cells by combining advanced RNA sequencing, RNA structure profiling, high-throughput reporter assays, and AI. Using the model plant Arabidopsis, the research will identify and validate the sequence and structural features that direct RNA to different cellular compartments and assess their effects on gene function and plant traits. The findings will improve our understanding of plant gene regulation and open new opportunities for crop improvement and biotechnology.
Objective
Cellular RNA localization determines transcript fate by controlling its distribution between chromatin, nucleus and cytoplasm. Studies in animal cells have identified a limited number of sequence motifs linked to compartmentalization, but these motifs are often broadly defined and not readily generalizable across species, cell types or conditions. RNA molecules can adopt diverse spatial structures that are involved in various aspects of RNA metabolism. RNA structure has therefore been proposed as an additional layer that regulates RNA subcellular localization.
I aim to deliver the first comprehensive decoding of RNA localization rules in plants by combining compartment-resolved RNA-seq fractionation, in vivo RNA structure profiling, massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA), and AI-driven analyses. Building on my preliminary compartment-resolved RNA-seq fractionation datasets from chromatin-associated, nuclear and cytosolic fractions under control and cold conditions, I will (1) generate compartment-resolved in vivo RNA secondary-structure maps in Arabidopsis, (2) use MPRA to identify and validate sequence–structure motifs that regulate subcellular localization using both traditional bioinformatic and AI-driven modelling to refine motif discovery. (3) Motifs identified through integrated analysis will be validated in native gene contexts via transient expression in Arabidopsis protoplasts and stable complementation of T-DNA mutants with wild-type and motif-altered constructs. Additionally, I will assess whether these motif-driven localization changes cause measurable phenotypic effects.
The outputs will establish a promising conceptual framework for harnessing RNA localization as a regulatory layer of gene expression in plants. Hosted at the John Innes Centre, I shall benefit from advanced training in RNA biology, molecular genetics and AI-driven analysis, complemented by opportunities to boost my professional visibility, leadership capacity and employability.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.
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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)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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.
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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
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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NR4 7UH NORWICH
United Kingdom
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