Novel Functions of the Sm Complex in Early Development

项目摘要Sm复合体是剪接体的RNA结合组件，剪接体是催化mRNA剪接的机器。然而，最近的研究表明，Sm家族蛋白在真核细胞中可能具有多种不同的功能。埃文斯实验室在线虫的早期发育过程中发现了Sm复合体的一种新功能。在线虫胚胎中，Sm蛋白通过不同于mRNA剪接的过程来调节生殖细胞的规格。为了探索Sm功能的机制，P.I.和他的同事们将研究Sm复合体如何控制在胚胎发育早期定位于生殖细胞前体的蛋白质的表达。将研究Sm复合体和已知控制生殖细胞形成的RNA之间的相互作用。Sm复合体可能介导一种新的RNA调控模式，影响多种细胞和发育过程。因此，这些研究可能会对基因调控的新机制产生新的见解。拟议项目的更广泛影响：(1)教育和学习：该项目将为研究生提供科学培训，并构成他们博士论文的核心。作为教育的一部分，学生将在当地和国际会议上陈述研究结果。P.I.S实验室还为当地学习科学的中小学生提供年度参观服务。(2)代表性不足群体的参与：P.I.是两个致力于招募代表性不足群体的研究生项目的成员，其中包括P.I.S实验室的一名少数族裔学生。(3)成果的传播：成果将在基础广泛的科学期刊上发表，并在国际会议上介绍。此外，该项目将在一年一度的科学博览会上展示，该博览会旨在向公众展示加州大学华威分校的研究。(4)加强研究基础设施：所需设备将开放供其他实验室使用。P.I.定期咨询其他领域的研究人员，并为他们提供试剂，这些研究人员希望研究线虫的基因。(5)社会效益：该项目旨在了解RNA调控的新机制，这最终可能导致检测或控制对人类、动物和植物疾病重要的基因的新工具。

Project SummaryThe Sm complex is an RNA-binding component of the splicesome, the machine that catalyzes mRNA splicing. However, recent studies suggest that Sm family proteins may have several diverse functions in eukaryotic cells. The Evans lab has discovered a new function for the Sm complex in early development of the nematode C. elegans. In the C. elegans embryo, the Sm proteins regulate germ cell specification by a process that is distinct from mRNA splicing. To explore the mechanisms of Sm function, the P.I. and colleagues will study how the Sm complex controls the expression of proteins that localize to germ cell precursors during early embryogenesis. Interactions between the Sm complex and RNAs known to control germ cell formation will be investigated. The Sm complex is likely to mediate a new mode of RNA regulation that influences a variety of cell and developmental processes. Therefore, these studies will likely yield new insights into novel mechanisms of gene regulation. Broader Impacts of the proposed project: (1) Education and learning: This project will provide science training for graduate students and forms the core of their PhD theses. Students will present findings at local and international meetings as part of their education. The P.I.'s lab also provides annual tours for local elementary and high school students studying science. (2) Participation of underrepresented groups: The P.I. is a member of two graduate programs committed to recruitment of underrepresented groups, including a minority student currently in the P.I.'s lab. (3) Dissemination of results: Results will be published in broad based scientific journals and presented at international meetings. In addition, the project will be presented at an annual science fair designed to demonstrate U.C.H.S.C research to the general public. (4) Enhancement of research infrastructure: The requested equipment will be openly available for use by other labs. The P.I. regularly consults with and provides reagents for researchers in other fields who want to study their genes in C. elegans. (5) Benefits to society: This project aims to understand novel mechanisms of RNA regulation, which may ultimately lead to new tools for the detection or control of genes important for human, animal, and plant disease.