Genetic Studies of Gene Silencing in Drosophila

果蝇基因沉默的遗传学研究

• 批准号: 0641204
• 负责人: James Birchler
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: University of Missouri-Columbia
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2007
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2007-07-01 至 2009-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0641204&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Genetic; Studies; Gene; Silencing; Drosophila

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism involved with the control of gene expression that operates via double stranded RNA. Homologous messenger RNAs to the double stranded trigger are enzymatically destroyed. This mechanism provides an endogenous protection against viruses and transposable element mobilization. Apoptosis involves cell death and is involved with normal developmental processes. In preliminary experiments, it was found that cell death would cause inhibition of RNAi in adjacent cells. It is hypothesized that signals from the dying cells cause this inhibition. In order to gain insight into the mechanism of inhibition of RNAi by cell death signaling, this project will involve a mutagenesis in Drosophila to identify mutations that modify the inhibition of silencing via RNAi of the white eye color gene. The mutations identified will be used in an attempt to understand the molecular mechanism of inhibition of RNAi by cell death signaling. By mapping the genes and determining the predicted genes from the genomic sequence, the collection of modifier genes will provide information about the molecular processes involved.Cell death is a natural process involved with development and its inhibition can lead to cancer. RNA interference is also a natural process of gene silencing that can serve as a protection against viruses. Cell death was found to inhibit the process of RNA interference in adjacent sectors. This interaction might be the case if a viral infection overcomes the first line of defense of RNAi and kills a cell. The dying cell might send signals to its neighbors to induce more potent antiviral mechanisms that compete with the RNA interference process. This project will investigate the mechanism of this interaction. The research project will also contribute to the mentoring of a postdoctoral fellow and introduce the undergraduates involved to scientific research.

RNA干扰（RNAi）是一种自然机制，涉及通过双链RNA运行的基因表达的控制。双链扳机的同源信使RNA被酶促破坏。该机制提供了对病毒和可转座元件动员的内源性保护。凋亡涉及细胞死亡，并参与正常发育过程。在初步实验中，发现细胞死亡会在相邻细胞中抑制RNAi。假设来自垂死细胞的信号会导致这种抑制作用。为了深入了解细胞死亡信号抑制RNAi的机制，该项目将涉及果蝇中的诱变，以鉴定通过白眼颜色基因的RNAI抑制沉默的突变。确定的突变将用于尝试通过细胞死亡信号传导来理解RNAi抑制RNAi的分子机制。通过映射基因并确定基因组序列预测的基因，修饰剂基因的收集将提供有关所涉及的分子过程的信息。细胞死亡是与发育有关的自然过程，其抑制作用会导致癌症。 RNA干扰也是一种自然的基因沉默过程，可以作为对病毒的保护。发现细胞死亡抑制了相邻部门的RNA干扰过程。 如果病毒感染克服了RNAi的第一道防线并杀死细胞，则可能是这种相互作用。垂死的细胞可能会向其邻居发送信号，以引起与RNA干扰过程竞争的更有效的抗病毒机制。该项目将研究这种相互作用的机制。该研究项目还将为博士后研究员的指导做出贡献，并将涉及的本科生介绍给科学研究。