RNA-dependent regulation of the KAP1 chromatin protein controls neuronal stem cell function

Project Code

MRCNMH26Ba Vance

Project Type

Wet lab

Research Theme

Neuroscience and Mental Health

Project Summary Download

Summary

The mammalian genome encodes hundreds of RNA binding proteins that associate with RNA using poorly defined modes of action. Mutations in these are implicated in neurologic disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and fragile X syndrome. KAP1 is an essential chromatin regulator and unconventional RNA binding protein required for neural stem cell maintenance and neuronal differentiation. KAP1-long non-coding RNA interactions broadly impact KAP1 chromatin and transcriptional regulation. This project will investigate RNA-dependent KAP1 gene expression control of neural stem cell function and nerve cell production and is important for the development of new treatments for neurological disorders.

Lead Supervisor

Dr Keith Vance

Lead Supervisor Email

kwv20@bath.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Bath