Early ribogene expression and the transition from RNA to DNA-genomes (A09)

• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 521256690

The role of ribozymes during evolution from primitive progenitor cells to modern DNA- and protein-based cells remains unclear. However, extant natural catalytic RNAs, as molecular fossils, may provide important clues as to how this transition may have occurred. In this project, starting from natural self-splicing introns, we will develop model systems to study protein-free replication and expression of RNA genomes as well as the transition from RNA to DNA genomes by protein-free reverse splicing.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 392: Molecular evolution in prebiotic environments
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Hannes Mutschler, since 1/2024