Sensitive and highly multiplexed assessment of lncRNA interactions with chromatin

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K16098
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 43040:Biophysics-related
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Shibayama Youtaro 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 生命医科学研究センター, 研究員 (60815819)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: RNA localization / long noncoding RNA / Gene expression / Subcellular localization

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Our bodies function properly when our genes function as intended by nature. Proper functioning of genes is controlled at many levels. One of these is ensuring that RNA, molecules which carry information contained in genes, travel to proper locations inside our cells. I investigated where RNA from every single gene occurs in the human cell and how that changes when the cell is stressed from various stimulations. Where most RNAs keep their proper localization in stressed conditions, I identified a group of RNAs which do not. Remarkably, different kinds of stress induce different members of RNA to change localization, and in some cases, induce the same members of RNA to change localization in different patterns. Upon many classes of RNA that exist in our genome, a group of RNA called long non-coding RNA were the most dominant among those RNA that change localization upon stress. With a chromatin-bound RNA, I have shown that change in localization has functional relevance for the cell.

Free Research Field

Genomics

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

One way by which genes function properly is by ensuring RNA travels to intended locations within the cell, a mechanism with important implications in health and disease. My results suggest a possible underlying reason for some diseases and may also provide a point of intervention.