Quinn Elliott L&S Biological Sciences
Endosomal Trafficking of Cajal Body Proteins and ncRNA Species
RNAs are universal biopolymers but the mechanisms of intracellular RNA trafficking remain elusive. RNAs often interact with RNA-binding proteins to form ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). RNPs can further assemble into larger bodies such as nuclear Cajal-bodies (CBs) and cytosolic P-bodies that enrich cellular components to carry out diverse biological processes. CBs are phase-separated membraneless organelles that participate in maturation of ribosomal RNAs and splicing of messenger RNAs prior to their cytoplasmic export. Interestingly, CB associated proteins, Coilin and Survival of Motor-Neuron have been shown to localize to the cytoplasm. Furthermore, our recent results show that Coilin and several CB RNAs such as small-Cajal body associated RNAs (scaRNAs) and small-nucleolar RNAs can localize to cytoplasmic degradative organelles called late endosomes (LEs) and lysosomes. This process likely serves to recycle and turnover CB components. In this study, I propose to investigate the molecular mechanisms that govern the recruitment of nuclear CBs to cytoplasmic organelles. This will help provide important insights into general mechanisms of cellular RNP trafficking and turnover.
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