The role of arcRNAs and nuclear condensate dynamics in the splicing response to hypoxia (A03)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology ; Biochemistry ; Bioinformatics and Theoretical Biology
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 403584255

Architectural RNAs (arcRNAs) scaffold nuclear condensates to compartmentalise the nucleus and regulate gene expression. Their dynamic appearance and the reversible sequestration of specific RNA-binding proteins allows the global reprograming of gene expression in response to specific stresses, including hypoxia. By combining cell biology and biochemistry with computational analyses and multimodal data integration, we aim to decipher the functions of a novel type of arcRNA - semi-extractable intron retention transcripts, investigate the role of nuclear condensate dynamics during hypoxia adaptation, and study the physiological relevance of arcRNAs in the alternative splicing response in hypoxia.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 267: Non-coding RNA in the cardiovascular system
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Professorin Michaela Müller-McNicoll; Dr. Katharina Zarnack, since 7/2023