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。具体来说，我们感兴趣的是早期干细胞，这些干细胞有能力在体内产生许多不同的细胞类型。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该程序。我已经确定了一个名为ARS 2的基因，它对这些早期胚胎细胞的生存至关重要。ARS2存在于大多数多细胞生物中，包括植物和动物，并且对于它们的发育至关重要。 我怀疑这个基因的功能在不同的生物体中是非常相似的。 我认为，这种基因的产物是产生一类特殊的遗传分子所必需的，这种遗传分子被称为miRNA，其工作是调节特定发育程序启动的时间和地点。如果没有这种调节，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如何能够通过确定Ars2在发育过程中的蛋白质伴侣来控制miRNA的产生。

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.