Team Zellbiologie: Prof. Dr. Michael Feldbrügge
In RabLab untersuchen wir RNA-biologische Prozesse, wie z. B. RNA-Transport, in dem Pflanzenpathogen Ustilago maydis.
PhD position: RNA biology in infection
Fungal pathogens pose serious threats to public health and agriculture. They can even be responsible for the extinction of species, thereby shaping whole ecosystems. For their defeat, it is vital to uncover their infection strategies. Thereby, their Achilles’ heel can be identified for the development of novel fungicides. We investigate the role of RNA-binding proteins during pathogenic development of the plant pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis (Sankaranarayanan 2023, PloS Path). We discovered that the multi-KH domain protein Khd4 is essential for infection. This RNA-binding protein regulates the stability of target mRNAs that function during regulation of intracellular membrane trafficking (Sankaranarayanan 2023, PNAS). The aim of this project is to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. To this end, we combine RNA biochemistry with microbial genetics and live cell observation. In particular, we aim to use innovative RNA proximity labelling approaches to understand regulation at the transcriptome-wide level.
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How do modular RNA-binding proteins engage with mRNA networks?
Together with an interdisciplinary team, Nina has discovered how modular RNA-binding protein (RBPs) fine-tune mRNA regulation to support cell growth. By studying the mRNA transporter Rrm4 in Ustilago maydis, we found that its multiple RNA-binding domains (RBDs) work together in a precise way—some guide RNA interactions, while others determine function. This research reveals how RBPs help regulate key processes like energy production, cell shape, and stability.
Read the preprint here. Congrats!
Exciting Publication by Senthil and Team!
Congratulations to Senthil and coworkers on their latest publication in PNAS: "Deciphering the RNA-binding protein network during endosomal mRNA transport." This groundbreaking study uncovers the structural mechanisms behind mRNA attachment during microtubule-dependent endosomal transport, with insights into the MLLE domain's role in RNA-protein interactions.
This work not only advances our understanding of polar growth in Ustilago maydis but also highlights parallels in human MLLE domains!
Read the full article here. Fantastic work, team!
Prof. Dr. Michael Feldbrügge
Institutsleitung
0211 - 81 15475
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Dr. Carola Leitsch
Sekretariat
0211 - 81 14720
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