Project Details

Description

This PhD project aims to investigate and manipulate gene expression in complex biological systems using RNA interference (RNAi) and long-read RNA sequencing technologies. RNAi is a naturally occurring phenomenon in eukaryotes where double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules activate the RNAi process to suppress the expression of target genes. By designing specific dsRNA sequences, this project will silence target genes to study their functions and the overall effect on the transcriptome, primarily using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster.
The project leverages long-read RNA sequencing technologies, such as PacBio and Oxford Nanopore, which have revolutionized the field of microbiomes, their interactions with their host and bioinformatics. These technologies enable the generation of high-quality transcriptomic data, capturing full-length transcripts and revealing complex gene regulation mechanisms. This approach addresses the limitations of whole-genome sequencing and metagenome-assembled genomes, which provide only genetic potential rather than active gene expression profiles and function. By integrating RNAi and long-read sequencing, the project aims to bridge the gap between genetic potential and actual gene expression and function, offering a comprehensive view of gene function and regulation in complex biological systems.
Furthermore, the project will explore the potential applications of this combined methodology in various fields, such as developmental biology, disease research, and biotechnology. Understanding gene function and regulation at this level can lead to advancements in understanding mechanisms of how microbiomes interact with the host.

Key findings

- RNA-Seq
- RNAi
- Transcriptomics
- Long-read Transcriptomics
- Bioinformatics
Short titleRNA-Seq & RNAi
StatusActive
Effective start/end date15/08/2024 → …

Keywords

  • RNA-Seq
  • RNAi
  • transcriptomics
  • Bioinformatics

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