The influence of RNA modifications on tRNA-derived small RNA biogenesis, molecular interactions and their diverse functions in gene expression regulation (P18)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 469281184

Stress-induced endoribonucleolytic cleavage of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) gives rise to tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) that can regulate gene expression by a variety of different mechanisms. tRNAs contain a plethora of modified RNA nucleotides but their influence on tsRNA biogenesis and function remains poorly understood. In this project, we will combine synthetic, biochemical, structural and cell biological approaches to gain mechanistic insights into the roles that RNA modifications play in regulating tRNA cleavage as well as exploring the functions of modified tsRNAs in regulating different aspects of gene expression during cellular stress.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1565: Molecular mechanisms and interplay of gene expression processes
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Markus T. Bohnsack; Professorin Dr. Claudia Höbartner