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

与本研究项目相关的总体目标是更好地表征昆虫抗寒性的分子机制。对零度以下温度的反应涉及许多分子变化，该计划旨在破译在选定的昆虫模型中响应这种条件而征求的修改网络。虽然在这一领域的研究工作已经揭示了各种可能与抗寒性相关的分子，但关于非编码rna（包括microRNAs和长链非编码rna）在这一过程中的重要性的信息很少。表征冷暴露昆虫中导致非编码RNA合成的级联的活性状态，并评估在相同模型中观察到的非编码RNA的足迹是本提案概述的初步目标。为了更好地了解这些靶标在昆虫的寒冷反应中所起的作用，我们将对鉴定出的与寒冷相关的非编码rna进行功能评估。尽管我们正在进行的研究项目和当前提案中描述的设想工作已经并且无疑将进一步加深我们对昆虫寒冷适应所涉及的生化杠杆的了解，但所收集的新知识最终会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抗寒性可以显著地揭示可以用来保护器官冷冻保存过程中观察到的损伤的分子策略。总之，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，为寻求改善器官低温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.