The role of microRNAs in dendritic cell development and function

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Thomas Brocker, since 4/2009
• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2008 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 65410241

MicroRNAs are recently discovered non-coding RNA molecules around 22 nucleotides of length that inhibit gene expression. Several hundred different microRNAs have been described up to now in almost all eukaryotes and have been shown to play important roles in various physiological processes ranging from development to metabolism. Dendritic cells (DC) are cells of the immune system specialized in pathogen recognition and activation of the adaptive immune response, which also express microRNAs. Several subsets of DC can be distinguished, differing in phenotype and function, but it is not known what the contribution of microRNAs to differences in DC subset development and function is. In this project we will explore the role of microRNAs in development and function of DC subsets. We have previously identified differences in microRNA expression between different DC subsets using microarray technology. We will change the levels of differentially expressed microRNAs and analyze effects on DC phenotype and function. In parallel, we will analyze DC from mice deficient in all miRNAs using mice lacking an essential miRNA processing component.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr. Harmjan Kuipers, until 4/2009