SFB 80: RNA-DECO
Decorating RNA
for a purpose

All classes of RNAs are heavily decorated by chemical modifications. These chemical modifications, also referred to as Epitranscriptomic marks affect the fate and function of RNAs, often in response to external stimuli. At RNA DECO an interdisciplinary team of 13 RNA researchers from Vienna and Innsbruck jointly study the regulation and impact of epitranscriptomic marks using various technical and biological models. We look for motivated individuals with a strong background in biochemistry, cell biology or bioinformatics to fill open positions.
Open positions to study the Epitranscriptome

A PhD position is available in the lab of Dr. Alexandra Lusser at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria. The laboratory studies gene regulatory mechanisms involving epigenetics and epitranscriptomics.

We are seeking highly motivated PhD students with interest in the following research areas:
• Understanding the biological and mechanistic implications of RNA cytosine modification
• Study of the functions of chromatin remodeler CHD1 in Drosophila health- and lifespan
• Study the posttranscriptional regulation of centromere-specific histone variant Cenp-A.

The successful candidate will have a background in molecular and/or cellular biology. Expertise in bioinformatics (analysis of NGS data) is a plus. We seek a highly motivated scientist with a strong interest in RNA and/or chromatin biology and the ability to work independently as well as in a team. The group is part of the Special Research Program RNA-DECO.

The position is available immediately for 4 years.

The Medical University is located in Innsbruck in the heart of the alps. The city offers ample possibilities for outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking or biking. Being home to two large universities, social life in the city is strongly shaped by students.

To apply: Please e-mail a CV, a letter of motivation and names and contact information for 2-3 references to: Dr. Alexandra Lusser, Email: alexandra.lusser@i-med.ac.at

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are indispensable components of the protein translation machinery. More than 100 post-transcriptional modifications have been described in tRNAs and their presence affect tRNA maturation, structure and function. Importantly, tRNAs play also additional biological roles. For instance, stress-induced tRNA fragmentation is an evolutionary conserved phenomenon resulting in the production of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) [1]. While tsRNAs have been implicated in a wide range of biological processes, it is currently unclear how their biogenesis is controlled at the molecular level, especially whether or not RNA modifications are involved in the process [2].
Recent experiments in our laboratory uncovered enzymatic activities, which can unwind stress-induced tRNA duplexes thereby producing individual tsRNAs. However, such tsRNAs are asymmetrically degraded by unknown activities that are contained in cellular protein extracts. This M.Sc. project aims at identifying specific tsRNA-degrading activities through a combination of systematic RNA interference (RNAi) in tissue culture and biochemical in vitro experimentation including tRNA fragmentation and RNA helicase assays.
The applicant needs basic molecular biology and tissue culture skills to be considered for this position. The position will be paid with 440 €/month for the duration of initially 9 months to up to one year.

Starting date: February 2022.

References:
1. Thompson DM, Parker R. Stressing out over tRNA cleavage. Cell. 2009;138: 215–219. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2009.07.001
2. Lyons SM, Fay MM, Ivanov P. The role of RNA modifications in the regulation of tRNA cleavage. FEBS Lett. 2018. doi:10.1002/1873-3468.13205