SFB 80: RNA-DECO
Decorating RNA
for a purpose

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