Vascular gene expression control through DNA:DNA:RNA triplex-formation by lncRNAs (A06)

• Subject Area: Anatomy and Physiology ; Cardiology, Angiology ; Structural Biology
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 403584255

The goal of this project is to understand how DNA:DNA:RNA triplex-formation, which is an important gene expression control mechanism, is facilitated and how it contributes to endothelial phenotype plasticity and vascular disease. Based on our previous results, we will define biophysical principles underlying local stability and specificity in triplex formation. We will also determine how proteins contribute to triplex formation and stabilization. Finally, we will evaluate the contribution of triplex-forming RNAs to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and whether disease relevance of some single nucleotide polymorphisms can be explained by disruption of DNA:DNA:RNA triplex formation.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 267: Non-coding RNA in the cardiovascular system
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Ralf P. Brandes; Professor Dr. Harald Schwalbe