Award details

Characterisation of a novel vertebrate mRNA export pathway

Reference	BB/E025293/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Stuart Wilson
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Sheffield
Department	Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	338,101
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	03/03/2008
End date	02/03/2011
Duration	36 months

Abstract

We have identified a new mRNA export factor in human cells. In this project we will characterise the dynamics of this protein, the effects of post-translational modifications on its function and characterise its binding partners.

Summary

A human cell contains a specialised compartment called the nucleus which holds DNA and this is surrounded by the cytoplasm. Sections of the DNA known as genes carry the information to make proteins which are one of the principal building blocks in humans. In the nucleus, copies of genes are made called messenger RNA which then have to be moved from the nucleus through a special hole called the nuclear pore, to the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, mRNA is decoded to make proteins. We have discovered a new pathway for moving messenger from the nucleus, through the nuclear pores to the cytoplasm which uses a protein called UIF. In this proposal we will identify other proteins which interact with UIF and investigate how they bind to UIF. We will also investigate how UIF moves around in the cell and how UIF performs its functions in the transport of messenger RNA. These studies will help us understand how genes are turned into proteins in human cells.

Committee	Closed Committee - Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCB)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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