RNA trafficking in oligodendrocytes and neurons [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Ross Smith (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Joseph Rothnagel

Brief description Control of the use of DNA, gene expression, is vital to all living organisms, especially in development and disease. The information in the genes is transferred to an intermediate molecule, mRNA, in a process called transcription. The genetic information in the mRNA is subsequently used, in the process called translation, to make the protein encoded by the original gene. The switching on and off of DNA appears to be most frequently controlled at the transcription step but recently it has become apparent that there are many post-transcriptional events that govern how efficiently the genetic information is ultimately converted to protein molecules. In this project we will investigate the molecular mechanisms of several proteins, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), that appear to play regulatory roles in many of these steps. These proteins appear to affect the longevity and replication of cells, the important chemical changes that take place in RNA after it is transcribed and before it is translated, the movement of the modifed RNAs through the cell and the efficiency of translation. Because of these central functions they are involved in development of tissues such as the brain, and in diseases including lung, skin and brain cancers, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this project we will focus on two RNA molecules, one vital for myelination in the central nervous system and the other for memory.

Funding Amount $AUD 439,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant