The LARP1 homolog Slr1p controls the stability and expression of proto-5’TOP mRNAs in fission yeast

Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) need to be decoded and translated into proteins in our bodies. This process must be tightly regulated by RNA-binding proteins such as LARP1. This protein is found in several organisms and by regulating mRNA translation it also regulates cell growth, but its function is poorly understood. LARP1 has been found in higher-than-normal amounts in cancerous cells therefore it is thought to lead to tumor progression and poor patient outcomes. Studying LARP1 in human cells has been challenging because of the complexity of the human system. Simpler organisms such as fission yeast also have a LARP1 protein called Slr1p, whose study has been informative towards understanding human LARP1 function. One aspect of the research in this field that has not been explored yet is how LARP1 binds mRNAs during mRNA translation. Using the simpler yeast Slr1p, we will employ Selective Translation Complex Profiling and Sequencing to identify mRNA sites where Slr1p interacts with the translation initiation machinery on its target mRNAs. This will help delineate the various confounding mRNA binding modes of LARP1 family of proteins and their functions under different circumstances and disease states.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mark Bayfield

Student:

Partner:

University of Cambridge

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

York University

Program: