Function of an mRNA-binding protein in RNA polymerase III transcription

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Katja Sträßer
• Subject Area: General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology ; Biochemistry
• Term: from 2014 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 258779177

Gene expression is a fundamental cellular process, through which the information encoded in the genome is brought to life. In eukaryotes, three main DNA-dependent RNA polymerases decode the information stored in the DNA. RNA polymerase III (RNAPIII) synthesizes the majority of small RNAs such as tRNAs and the ribosomal 5S rRNA. These RNAs fulfill many important cellular functions and are necessary for growth and cellular homoeostasis. Whereas the basic mechanism of RNAPIII transcription is known, recent evidence suggests that many more proteins play a role in this process. Interestingly, we identified an mRNA binding protein to occupy RNAPIII transcribed genes genome-wide in S. cerevisiae. In addition, we provide first data that this protein is necessary for efficient RNAPIII transcription. In the project proposed here, we aim to:1. corroborate the function of this mRNA binding protein in RNAPIII transcription,2. unravel its molecular function and3. assess whether its function in RNAPIII transcription is evolutionarily conserved.Thus, this project will add a new player of RNAPIII transcription, a process that is of immense importance for cellular homoeostasis and misregulated in diseases such as cancer.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants