Characterization of the function of Ars2 in miRNA biogenesis

我的研究项目试图在分子水平上了解控制发育早期阶段的发育程序。具体地说，我们对能够在体内产生多种不同类型细胞的早期干细胞感兴趣。我使用小鼠模型并通过分析组织培养系统中小鼠细胞的分化来研究这个程序。我已经确定了一种名为ARS2的基因，它对这些早期胚胎细胞的生存至关重要。ARS2存在于包括植物和动物在内的大多数多细胞生物体中，对它们的发育是必不可少的。我怀疑这个基因的功能在不同的生物体中非常相似。我认为，这种基因的产物是生产一种特殊的遗传分子所必需的，这种分子被称为miRNA，它的工作是调节特定发育程序何时何地启动。如果没有这一规定，发育就无法进行，胚胎就会死亡。我的研究计划旨在确定这一假设是否正确，并了解Ars2是如何通过确定Ars2在发育过程中的蛋白质伙伴来控制miRNAs的生产的。

My research program tries to understand at a molecular level the developmental programs that control the very early stages of development. Specifically, we are interested in early stem cells that have the ability to produce many different cell types within the body. I study this program using a mouse model and by analyzing differentiation of mouse cells in a tissue culture system. I have identified a gene, called ARS2, which is essential for the survival of these early embryonic cells. ARS2 is present in most multicellular organisms, including plants and animals, and is essential for their development. I suspect that the function of this gene is very similar in divergent organisms. I think that the product of this gene is needed for the production of a special class of genetic molecule, called miRNA, whose job it is to regulate when and where specific developmental programs are initiated. In the absence of this regulation, development cannot proceed and the embryo dies. My research program is aimed at determining whether this hypothesis is correct and at understanding how Ars2 is able to control production of miRNAs by determining protein partners for Ars2 during development.