Biology Hidden in RNA Structure and Modifications
In the central dogma, RNA is thought to be only a messenger bridge between DNA and proteins. However, RNA is now known to influence many aspects of life through activities that are attributable to its secondary structure (RSS). In fact, RSS contains a new set of information code that is interpreted and processed by specialized proteins. Moreover, some small molecules are attached to RNA species to alter their properties and correspondingly their functions in biological processes.
The large SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complexes typically release DNA from its bound protein partners and promote RNA production. A recent groundbreaking discovery revealed that the complexes could directly bind to a subset of RNA, remodel its secondary structure, and turn off downstream RNA processing in the model plant Arabidopsis. In this setting, an interdisciplinary team is assembled to systematically study how the SWI/SNF complexes remodel different species of RNA at the genome-wide scale in several representative organisms; and whether and how the RSS remodeling coordinates with RNA editing / modifications to alter the physiological paths.
The team will address this exciting project using arrays of modern approaches including molecular genetics, high throughput sequencing, computational analysis, single-molecule imaging in vivo, cryo-electron microscopy in vitro, and synthetic chemistry. Once completed, the study will not only fundamentally change our views on transmission and decoding of genetic information, but also provide new ideas and strategies to manipulate RNA structures and modifications to improve agricultural production and pharmaceutical therapies for treatment of human diseases.