Development of methods to study 5’ RNA structure and sequence
Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids
Abstract
The recent discovery of RNA caps, such as NAD and CoA, has led to a reassessment of RNA structure in all types of cells. In our search for new RNA modifications, we have discovered a brand-new class of 5‘ caps - dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpnN) in bacteria as well as in eukaryotes. The project will focus on the development of a general LC-MS sequencing method employing various selective RNases. The student will use the technique to study the properties of the 5’ end of various non-coding RNAs (such as snRNA and snoRNA), as well as the capping status of natural mRNA (distinguishing between cap1 and cap2). Moreover, the method will be useful for the assessment and quality control of various mRNA vaccines.
Field of study: Cell biology
References:
- Potužník, J.F.; Nešuta, O. et al. Diadenosine Tetraphosphate (Ap4A) Serves as a 5′ RNA Cap in Mammalian Cells, Angewandte Chemie (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202314951
- Hudeček, O., et al. Dinucleoside polyphosphates act as 5’-RNA caps in bacteria, Nature Communications, 11, 1052 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-14896-8
- B. Benoni, R. Benoni, J. Trylcova, K. Grab, J. Pačes, J. Weber, D. Stanek, J. Kowalska, L. Bednarova, Z. Keckesova, L. Gahurova, H. Cahova, bioRxiv 2022.11.10.515957. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.10.515957
Universities
PhD students must be enrolled in a partner university and will be employed by the IOCB Prague at the same time (part-time or full time), which results in a competitive salary (a scholarship from the university + a salary from the IOCB). Each university has its own process, terms, and deadlines for PhD applications, which is separate from the IOCB recruitment process. You may discuss the details with the respective PI.
University partners
How to apply
If you are interested, please contact the supervisor: hana.cahova@uochb.cas.cz