LOTUS domain proteins in transposon silencing and translation control

• Applicant: Dr. Mandy Jeske
• Subject Area: General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology ; Biochemistry ; Developmental Biology ; Structural Biology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 377227242

The proposed research for the 12-month extension of the Emmy-Noether program aims to complete ongoing work in the lab, with a primary focus on advancing molecular and mechanistic insights into the piRNA pathway. To achieve this goal, an interdisciplinary approach will be used, combining biochemistry and structural biology with cell culture techniques and genetics. piRNAs play a critical role in maintaining genome integrity and fertility in animals. By associating with PIWI proteins, piRNAs orchestrate the silencing of transposon genes at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in testes and ovaries. The biogenesis of piRNAs involves dozens of additional critical proteins ("cofactors"), most of which remain largely unexplored at the molecular and mechanistic level. With this extension of the project, we aim to 1) define and compare the interaction networks between cytoplasmic piRNA pathway cofactors in several model organisms, 2) elucidate the function of newly identified protein complexes involving a LOTUS domain protein, and 3) expand our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the function of a key RNA helicase in the pathway.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups