The role of non-coding RNAs in cold-hardy insects

与这项研究计划相关的首要目标是更好地描述昆虫耐寒的分子机制。对零度以下温度的反应涉及许多分子变化，该程序旨在破译在选定昆虫模型中因应这些条件而请求的修饰网络。虽然在这一研究领域进行的工作揭示了可能与耐寒性相关的各种分子角色，但关于非编码RNA在这一过程中的重要性的信息很少，包括微小RNA和长的非编码RNA。确定冷暴露昆虫中导致非编码RNA合成的级联的活动状态，并评估在相同模型中观察到的非编码RNA的足迹，是该提案概述的最初目标。随后将对已鉴定的冷相关非编码RNA进行功能评估，以更好地了解这些靶标在昆虫的冷反应中所起的作用。尽管我们正在进行的研究计划和当前提案中描述的设想中的工作已经并将毫无疑问地促进我们对昆虫冷适应所涉及的生化水平的了解，但收集到的新知识最终可以影响其他领域的工作，包括低温下的器官保存。在分子水平上破译昆虫的耐寒性可以显著地揭开分子策略，这些策略可以被用来保护器官冷冻保存期间观察到的损害。总体而言，了解低温暴露对非编码RNA合成、特异性表达和主要功能的影响为寻求改善低温下器官储存过程提供了有价值的信息。

The overarching goal associated with this research program is to better characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying cold hardiness in insects. Response to sub-zero temperatures involves numerous molecular changes and this program aims at deciphering the network of modifications solicited in response to such conditions in select insect models. While work conducted in this area of research has revealed various molecular players likely relevant to cold hardiness, information regarding the importance of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, during this process is sparse. Characterizing the activity status of cascades leading to non-coding RNA synthesis in cold-exposed insects and assessing the footprint of non-coding RNAs observed in the same models are initial objectives outlined in this proposal. Functional assessment of the identified cold-associated non-coding RNAs will be investigated subsequently to better understand the roles played by these targets during cold response in insects. Even though our ongoing research program and the envisioned work described in the current proposal has and will undoubtedly further our knowledge of the biochemical levers involved in insect cold adaptation, the novel knowledge gathered can ultimately impact other fields of work including organ preservation at low temperatures. Deciphering insect cold hardiness at the molecular level can notably unravel molecular strategies that could be leveraged to protect damages observed during organ cryopreservation. Overall, understanding the influence of low temperature exposure on non-coding RNA synthesis, specific expression and primary functions provides valuable information in the quest to improve the process of organ storage at low temperatures.