Hidden complexity in microRNA function. This project aims to determine the extent to which microRNAs function through “non-canonical” mechanisms within cell nuclei, how their roles are expanded by naturally occurring sequence variation and how their activity is controlled by little known families of genes that sequester and inhibit their availability. The knowledge generated is significant as microRNAs regulate the expression of virtually all genes and biological processes, yet these mechanisms ....Hidden complexity in microRNA function. This project aims to determine the extent to which microRNAs function through “non-canonical” mechanisms within cell nuclei, how their roles are expanded by naturally occurring sequence variation and how their activity is controlled by little known families of genes that sequester and inhibit their availability. The knowledge generated is significant as microRNAs regulate the expression of virtually all genes and biological processes, yet these mechanisms of function remain poorly characterised and seldom considered. The expected outcome of better understanding mechanisms through which microRNAs work should provide significant benefit to safe and effective development of microRNAs for future agricultural or therapeutic application.Read moreRead less
Transcriptional regulation by microRNAs. This project aims to better understand microRNAs, which are of central importance to how genes are regulated. Despite recent data indicating microRNAs may also play more extensive and diverse roles as nuclear regulators of gene transcription, research has been restricted to their well known mechanism of action in the cytoplasm where they post transcriptionally silence genes. This project will investigate the potential for microRNAs to regulate transcripti ....Transcriptional regulation by microRNAs. This project aims to better understand microRNAs, which are of central importance to how genes are regulated. Despite recent data indicating microRNAs may also play more extensive and diverse roles as nuclear regulators of gene transcription, research has been restricted to their well known mechanism of action in the cytoplasm where they post transcriptionally silence genes. This project will investigate the potential for microRNAs to regulate transcription on a genome-wide scale and will thereby reveal the full extent of mechanisms by which these important genetic switches control gene expression networks the characteristics of cells. This is of fundamental significance to our understanding of gene regulation.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100434
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Estrogen-mediated regulation of gene expression via transcriptional and translational control: complementary, synergistic or opposing responses? Hormones dictate cellular behaviour by activating pre-programmed responses. The sex hormone estrogen affects cell fate by regulating the gene expression, but it is unknown to which extent this response occurs via activation of genes or control of already transcribed gene. The project will investigate how the cell integrates the complex estrogen signals.