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National Science Foundation Award #0237685

Regulation of Alternative RNA Processing of the Human Calcitonin/CGRP Gene

 
Investigator(s): Hua Lou (PI)
Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106 2163684510
Start Date/Expiration Date 2003-04-15 to 2006-03-31 (amended 2005-05-26)
Awarded Amount to Date: $411,296
Abstract: Alternative RNA processing is a process that generates multiple protein isoforms from a single gene, and thus is an important regulator of gene expression. Up to 60% of human pre-mRNAs undergo alternative processing, making this a ubiquitous biological process. The long-term goal of this research is to understand the mechanism that controls tissue-specific alternative RNA processing using the human calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) gene as a model. The calcitonin/CGRP pre-mRNA is processed to produce calcitonin in thyroid cells and CGRP in neurons. Previous studies have identified an intron element and several splicing factors that are required for calcitonin production. Very little is known about the neuron-specific CGRP-producing pathway. Recent studies from the PI's laboratory have identified two additional factors TIA and a neuron-specific factor. These new factors suggest a novel role of the intron element in addition to previously characterized polyadenylation enhancement function. The goal of this project is to characterize this novel role of the intronic element and determine the precise functions of TIA and the neuronal factor in regulated processing of the calcitonin/CGRP pre-mRNA. The combined data from these studies will provide fundamental insights into regulated RNA processing. Moreover, these studies on the neuron-specific factor will significantly advance knowledge of tissue-specific control of alternative splicing.
NSF Org: MCB - Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
Award Number: 0237685
Award Instrument: Continuing grant
Program Manager: Joanne S. Tornow
MCB Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
NSF Program(s): GENES AND GENOME SYSTEMS
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s): BIOTECHNOLOGY, BIOT
GENE EXPRESSION, 1154
GENERAL FOUNDATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, 9183
RES EXPER FOR UNDERGRAD-SUPPLT, 9251
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, 9178
Program Element Code(s): 1112