SFB 80: RNA-DECO
Decorating RNA
for a purpose

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are indispensable components of the protein translation machinery. Rather recently, stress-induced and nuclease-mediated tRNA fragmentation has been discovered as an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon resulting in tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) with various functions. What is currently impossible is visualizing tsRNAs at the subcellular level, since tsRNAs are not easily distinguished from parental tRNAs by classical hybridization-based techniques.
This M.Sc. thesis project will test and validate a number of novel RNA hybridization approaches tailored to visualize specific tsRNAs both in vitro and in situ using both human cancer cells and Drosophila embryos.
The successful applicant is required to have basic molecular biology skills (preferably experience with tissue culture). The position will be paid with 440 €/month for the duration of up to one year.
Starting date: September 2022
MSc position tsRNA Asymmetry 2

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are indispensable components of the protein translation machinery. Rather recently, stress-induced and nuclease-mediated tRNA fragmentation has been discovered as an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon resulting in tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) with various functions. It is currently unclear how exactly these small RNAs are produced from parental tRNAs. Since tRNAs are highly structured molecules, it is likely that dedicated enzymes unwind, stabilize and degrade particular tsRNAs.
This M.Sc. thesis project aims at identifying cellular activities, which act on tRNAs containing a nuclease-mediated “break” in their backbone. The approach will employ systematic RNA interference (RNAi) in tissue culture cells and biochemical in vitro experimentation.
The successful applicant is required to have basic molecular biology skills (preferably experience with tissue culture). The position will be paid (440 €/month) for the duration of up to one year.
Starting date: September 2022
MSc position tsRNA Asymmetry 1