Summary
R-loops are long RNA/DNA hybrids naturally formed behind RNA polymerase II (Pol II) during transcription, but their persistence is a threat for genome integrity through the creation of DNA damage, leading to cancer development. However, several recent studies reported a new and exciting role for R-loops in gene expression regulation by influencing transcription termination and chromatin modification.
As mutations in several RNA processing factors have been shown to stabilize R-loop formation, we propose here to investigate the link between R-loops and co-transcriptional alternative splicing (AS) and to decipher the underlying mechanisms, a hypothesis supported by our preliminary results identifying more than 3000 splice junctions affected by decreased R-loops upon overexpression of RNase H1. The use of a specific antibody to RNA/DNA hybrids and stabilization/removal of R-loops coupled to high-throughput analysis of splicing (RNA-seq), R-loop profiling (DRIP-seq) and Pol II positioning and measurements (PRO-seq) will allow us to investigate genome-wide regulation of AS by R-loop formation. We will use particular AS events as models to elucidate the molecular mechanisms interconnecting R-loops and AS. Moreover, based on our previous expertise, we plan to study the impact of R-loops on DNA damage-induced AS alteration as a model of physiological regulation of AS by R-loops.
This project will provide new insights on AS regulation through the formation of R-loops and also on cancer progression through R-loop stabilization. Finally, this project will allow me to acquire independent thinking and scientific leadership to reach an independent academic position in France.
As mutations in several RNA processing factors have been shown to stabilize R-loop formation, we propose here to investigate the link between R-loops and co-transcriptional alternative splicing (AS) and to decipher the underlying mechanisms, a hypothesis supported by our preliminary results identifying more than 3000 splice junctions affected by decreased R-loops upon overexpression of RNase H1. The use of a specific antibody to RNA/DNA hybrids and stabilization/removal of R-loops coupled to high-throughput analysis of splicing (RNA-seq), R-loop profiling (DRIP-seq) and Pol II positioning and measurements (PRO-seq) will allow us to investigate genome-wide regulation of AS by R-loop formation. We will use particular AS events as models to elucidate the molecular mechanisms interconnecting R-loops and AS. Moreover, based on our previous expertise, we plan to study the impact of R-loops on DNA damage-induced AS alteration as a model of physiological regulation of AS by R-loops.
This project will provide new insights on AS regulation through the formation of R-loops and also on cancer progression through R-loop stabilization. Finally, this project will allow me to acquire independent thinking and scientific leadership to reach an independent academic position in France.
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More information & hyperlinks
| Web resources: | https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/661051 |
| Start date: | 01-07-2015 |
| End date: | 30-06-2017 |
| Total budget - Public funding: | 170 121,60 Euro - 170 121,00 Euro |
Cordis data
Original description
R-loops are long RNA/DNA hybrids naturally formed behind RNA polymerase II (Pol II) during transcription, but their persistence is a threat for genome integrity through the creation of DNA damage, leading to cancer development. However, several recent studies reported a new and exciting role for R-loops in gene expression regulation by influencing transcription termination and chromatin modification.As mutations in several RNA processing factors have been shown to stabilize R-loop formation, we propose here to investigate the link between R-loops and co-transcriptional alternative splicing (AS) and to decipher the underlying mechanisms, a hypothesis supported by our preliminary results identifying more than 3000 splice junctions affected by decreased R-loops upon overexpression of RNase H1. The use of a specific antibody to RNA/DNA hybrids and stabilization/removal of R-loops coupled to high-throughput analysis of splicing (RNA-seq), R-loop profiling (DRIP-seq) and Pol II positioning and measurements (PRO-seq) will allow us to investigate genome-wide regulation of AS by R-loop formation. We will use particular AS events as models to elucidate the molecular mechanisms interconnecting R-loops and AS. Moreover, based on our previous expertise, we plan to study the impact of R-loops on DNA damage-induced AS alteration as a model of physiological regulation of AS by R-loops.
This project will provide new insights on AS regulation through the formation of R-loops and also on cancer progression through R-loop stabilization. Finally, this project will allow me to acquire independent thinking and scientific leadership to reach an independent academic position in France.
Status
CLOSEDCall topic
MSCA-IF-2014-EFUpdate Date
28-04-2024
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