Lectures and seminars Seminar: "RNA regulation in the nervous system: converting complexity into function"

Abstract

Cells utilize various mechanisms to coordinate temporal and spatial gene expression. One powerful strategy involves increasing the regulatory capacity of individual genes through cell- type-specific modulation of RNA processing. Neurons are structurally and functionally complex cells that represent hotspots of alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, and non-coding RNA expression. Consequently, thousands of signature RNA sequences are generated: splice isoforms, long 3′UTRs, and non-coding RNAs exclusive to neuronal cells. These unique nervous-system-specific RNA sequences are conserved across all animals, including humans, and may contribute to rendering the nervous system particularly vulnerable to disease. In my lab, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the transcription of neuron-specific RNA isoforms, how these RNAs are post-transcriptionally regulated in the cytoplasm, and their role in nervous system development and function. In my talk, I will give an overview of our research and present two unpublished projects on different aspects of neuronal RNA regulation.

Host

Christoph Ziegenhain, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics