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

与这项研究计划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择的昆虫模型中响应这种条件而请求的修改网络。虽然在这一研究领域进行的工作已经揭示了可能与抗寒性相关的各种分子参与者，但关于非编码RNA（包括microRNA和长非编码RNA）在这一过程中的重要性的信息很少。表征导致冷暴露昆虫中非编码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的足迹是本提案中概述的初始目标。随后将研究鉴定的冷相关非编码RNA的功能评估，以更好地了解这些靶标在昆虫冷反应期间所起的作用。尽管我们正在进行的研究计划和当前提案中描述的设想工作已经并且无疑将进一步加深我们对昆虫冷适应所涉及的生化杠杆的了解，但所收集的新知识最终可能会影响其他工作领域，包括低温下的器官保存。在分子水平上破译昆虫抗寒性可以显着地解开分子策略，可以利用这些策略来保护器官冷冻保存过程中观察到的损伤。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.