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| WITOLD FILIPOWICZ |
| Biochemistry and function of RNA
interference and microRNAs |
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Epigenetic control of gene expression and post-transcriptional gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as extraordinarily important areas of molecular biology. These reactions contribute greatly to developmental and tissue specificity of gene expression, and exemplify the key role of non-coding RNAs in gene regulation.
During RNAi, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) acts as a sequence-specific inducer of mRNA degradation. This is mediated by ~20-bp siRNAs arising from nucleolytic processing of dsRNA by Dicer. MicroRNAs are small ~21-nt regulators encoded in eukaryote genomes that imperfectly base-pair to mRNA 3'-untranslated regions and inhibit protein synthesis. RNAi and miRNA-mediated regulation are complex reactions involving dozens of proteins and intersecting with other cellular pathways.
Our research focuses on a mechanism and a biological function of RNAi and miRNAs and on a possible role for the RNAi apparatus in transcriptional gene silencing in mammals. We are investigating the function of Dicer and Dicer-associated proteins in transcriptional and post-transcriptional silencing. We also study mechanisms and the reversibility of translational repression by miRNAs and the regulation of these processes. |
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For further information, please contact
Administrative Assistant Keri Jane Shilling
(+41 61 6976651) |
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