Defining a role for non-coding RNAs in gonadal sex differentiation.

该项目旨在增加发育生物学领域的知识，研究所谓的非编码rna的基因调控如何有助于组织模式。该项目计划使用一种独特的模型系统：鸡胚胎的性腺发育。它还计划使用新的分子方法，利用鸡模型来研究microrna和长链非编码RNA在胚胎性腺模式中的作用。该项目旨在提供对基因如何控制组织模式和器官发生的更深层次的理解。因此，它可以为性别决定领域提供具体的信息，更广泛地说，可以为干细胞生物学和组织工程提供信息。

This project aims to increase knowledge in the area of developmental biology, studying how gene regulation by so-called non-coding RNAs contributes to tissue patterning. The project plans to use a unique model system: gonadal development in the chicken embryo. It also plans to use novel molecular approaches that exploit the chicken model to study the role of microRNAs and a long non-coding RNA in patterning the embryonic gonad. The project aims to provide a deeper understanding of how genes operate to control tissue patterning and organogenesis. It may thus inform the field of sex determination specifically, and, more broadly, stem cell biology and tissue engineering.