Target cis elements of the RNA-binding protein Arid5a in inflammatory cytokine-based diseases (B16*)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 161793742

Tight control of gene expression is particularly important during development and immune response. The post-transcriptional gene regulation comprises the control over mRNA stability and their translation into gene products. mRNAs harbor cis-regulatory elements in their 3´- untranslated regions that are targeted by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and subsequently decide about the transcript fate. In this context, mRNA degradation, e.g., has already been studied for two decades. We will investigate the novel RBP Arid5a and its role in stabilizing, i.e. up-regulating levels of target mRNAs coding for proteins involved in cytokine production during immune responses. We will define target cis elements of Arid5a and obtain atom-resolved pictures of RNA-protein complexes that will reveal mechanisms of Arid5a-based gene regulation and its role in cytokine-based diseases.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 902: Molecular Principles of RNA-based Regulation
• Applicant Institution: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
• Project Head: Dr. Andreas Schlundt, since 7/2019