RNA-Biology
Within the past decade, a number of gene regulatory networks combined as "RNA silencing" have been identified and characterized. Within these networks small RNA molecules play a critical role in the control of gene expression and protection of cells against pathogens.
Objectives of our working group "Medical RNA Biology" include the further elucidation of the regulation of transcription, translation and gene activation as well as the control of the biogenesis of small regulatory RNAs (like miRNAs or snoRNAs) and their active origins.
A major factor in the study of RNA silencing and its application in therapy is a directed transport of effector molecules into the appropriate cell type. Due to current advancements in technology transfer of nucleic acids in VLPs this problem is now solved.
Projects
Funktional analysis of npcRNAs
- Small RNAs, especially miRNAs and processed snoRNAs, are investigated for their multiple functions
- Gene regulation is observed to transcriptional and translational levels in different cell types
- The importance of small RNAs in the disease processes (infection, cancer, etc.) is characterized
RNAi therapy
- Defective genes (e.g. oncogenes, pathogens) are eliminated by RNAi
- Target sequences are identified and appropriate siRNAs or miRNAs produced
- Therapeutic nucleic acids are transfected with the VLP method into target cells and tissues
- Current research: HIV, Osteoporosis (rat model, UMG), Cancer (RNAi against CHKA, MPIbpc)
Cell-cell communication via small RNAs
- Cells exchange information via secreted microvesicles and exosomes
- sRNAs as well as miRNAs are sent unidirectional via exosomes to defined recipient cells
- miRNAs regulate genes of the recipient cell
- What are the basic sorting mechanisms and parameters?
- Which cell types communicate via this secretion route?
- What is the physiological relevance and eventual therapeutic potential?
