Dissecting a RNA-histone variant interaction and its role in splicing. This project aims to define the molecular details of how a chromatin component, histone H2A.B, binds RNA and influences RNA splicing. This is unprecedented for histones, which are typically associated with DNA and transcriptional regulation. Over 90 per cent of human genes may be alternatively spliced. This explains how complex organisms develop from a limited set of genes, but how alternative splicing decisions are made is u ....Dissecting a RNA-histone variant interaction and its role in splicing. This project aims to define the molecular details of how a chromatin component, histone H2A.B, binds RNA and influences RNA splicing. This is unprecedented for histones, which are typically associated with DNA and transcriptional regulation. Over 90 per cent of human genes may be alternatively spliced. This explains how complex organisms develop from a limited set of genes, but how alternative splicing decisions are made is unclear. The intended outcome is to reveal links between chromatin, RNA splicing and gene expression regulation to explain how multicellular organisms have evolved. The translation of this knowledge will ultimately provide long-term economic and health benefits for Australia.Read moreRead less
Understanding how dynamic changes in chromatin composition control genome function. DNA is tightly packaged in eukaryotic cells as chromatin. Important genetic processes, such as transcription, require manipulation of chromatin structure to access the DNA. The cell sets up specialised chromatin structures to regulate these processes. Currently, precise molecular details of these specialised structures are limited. This project will push the envelope of an in vitro model chromatin system and dete ....Understanding how dynamic changes in chromatin composition control genome function. DNA is tightly packaged in eukaryotic cells as chromatin. Important genetic processes, such as transcription, require manipulation of chromatin structure to access the DNA. The cell sets up specialised chromatin structures to regulate these processes. Currently, precise molecular details of these specialised structures are limited. This project will push the envelope of an in vitro model chromatin system and determine the architecture of several chromatin states with unique functional implications inside the cell. This will unravel the molecular instructions that define how our genomes are organised, significantly advancing our knowledge of fundamental eukaryotic genome biology and paving the way for the future development of new tools and therapies.Read moreRead less