Projekt Nr. 01

Innsbruck Biocenter, Devision of Genomics and RNomics
ncRNAs plays an essential roles in the regulation of gene expression. In human diseases caused by viruses, the temporal expression of viral and cellular genes is tightly controlled. We plan to identify - on a genome-wide level - the expression and function of novel ncRNA during infection with HIV or EBV.		vl.: Univ.-Doz. Dr. Norbert Polacek, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alexander Hüttenhofer

State of the art

For many years it was believed that there were only a small number of ncRNAs. Nevertheless, over time it became apparent that ncRNAs are numerous and that their cellular functions are diverse and important. In fact, it has been postulated that the increased level of complexity in higher organisms, compared to bacteria, is achieved mainly by the presence of a large number of ncRNA genes with regulatory functions.


Goal

We want to experimentally identify novel ncRNAs that are specifically up- or down-regulated upon virus infection of human cells. From all identified ncRNAs, we will subsequently aim to investigate their function during the infection cycle of target cells.


Solution

In order to get insight into the ncRNA profile of virus-infected human cells we will generate cDNA libraries coding for virus-induced ncRNAs. Since we expect that these virus specific ncRNAs ae expressed at rather low levels, we will enrich the ncRNAs of interest by a novel method that allows to select for differentially expressed ncRNAs.


Significance for the patients

RNA functions can be inhibited by antibiotics. Therefore the identification of ncRNAs that are crucial for virus infection offers a potential new target for drug therapy.


For further information please contact Marius Koppler