Biochemistry in situ to determine inheritance of RNA-protein complexes

Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

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Abstract

Project Summary The overall objective of this proposal is to elucidate how RNA-protein complexes assemble to transmit information across animal generations. Which RNA binding proteins are inherited? Which cells inherit these proteins? What protein attributes are required for inheritance? Answering these questions require the development of new in situ biochemical methods to label and track specific RNA binding proteins. The lab uses the C. elegans model organism, modern gene editing methods, and newer imaging tags to label and track germ cell RNA-protein condensate components in animals. The strategy requires a significant amount of gene editing and molecular genetic screening to identify animals with the proper genetic modifications. This supplement requests partial support to purchase a shared-use, gel and immunoblot imaging system. The equipment will be used to help identify animals with the correct genotypes, gene modifications, and protein expression. Institutional support will be provided to enable additional use by the science community. The imager will enable efficient generation of animals necessary to study RNA binding protein inheritance in cells and progeny.