Function of the splicing factor Msl5 in transcription and nuclear mRNP biogenesis

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Katja Sträßer
• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 541195004

Eukaryotic gene expression is an intricate process involving many steps and a multitude of factors before the messenger RNA (mRNA) is exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm for translation. The mRNA is processed by capping, splicing and 3’ processing and assembled into an mRNP by nuclear RNA-binding proteins, a process called nuclear mRNP biogenesis. In recent years, we unraveled the function of several proteins and protein complexes such as Mud2, Prp19C and TREX in transcription elongation and mRNP biogenesis including nuclear mRNA export. Msl5 is the branch point binding protein, and its function in splicing is well characterized. As Msl5 forms a heterodimer with Mud2, we hypothesize that Msl5 has additional functions in nuclear mRNP biogenesis beyond splicing, which is supported by our preliminary data. In this project we will assess potential functions of Msl5 in transcription elongation, mRNP biogenesis and nuclear mRNA export. The results of this project will establish a novel function of Msl5 in gene expression.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants