Studies from the last several years have repeatedly highlighted the importance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) in epigenetic regulation, development, and disease. However, the mechanisms by which RNAs control these processes remain poorly defined. Improved understanding of RNA-based mechanisms is crucial, especially given that 70-80% of the mammalian genome is transcribed and that the vast bulk of transcription is noncoding. Nowhere is the abundance of lncRNAs more evident than at the X-inactivation center (Xic), an X-linked region that controls the X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in the female mammal. XCI serves as an excellent model to study lncRNA regulation because this process is controlled by a series of RNA-based switches. Silencing is initiated by the 17-kb Xist RNA as it recruits Polycomb proteins to the X-chromosome. Xist RNA is in turned controlled by an antisense transcript, Tsix, which antagonizes Xist by repelling the recruitment of an RNA-protein complex containing Polycomb proteins. My laboratory has also found that Xist upregulation requires the action of two additional lncRNAs, RepA which recruits Polycomb proteins to the Xic, and Jpx which is required to activate Xist transcription. This RO1 grant has, for the past 13 years, provided crucial support for this lncRNA research. Herein, we propose to further advance our understanding of RNA regulation by studying how RNAs of the Xic control the different steps and forms of XCI. Specifically, we will: (i) Investigate whether and how RNAs play a role in homologous X-chromosome pairing, a process proposed to regulate counting and choosing of X-chromosomes for inactivation;(ii) Determine how Xist RNA is turned on by Jpx RNA;and (iii) Elucidate fundamental differences between random and imprinted XCI, which our research has shown to be differentially dependent on Xist RNA for silencing. That the proposed work will require five years to complete and is expected to train five postdoctoral fellows for academic careers in the fields of epigenetics, RNA regulation, and stem cell biology.

Public Health Relevance

Studies from the last several years have highlighted the importance of long noncoding RNAs in human development, health, and diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis, but the mechanisms by which RNAs effect epigenetic change remain largely unknown. X-chromosome inactivation serves as an excellent model to study RNA regulation because this process is controlled by a series of RNA-based switches. Our proposed research will dissect mechanisms of RNA regulation by investigating its role in chromosome pairing, gene silencing, and imprinting.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37GM058839-16
Application #
8598477
Study Section
Molecular Genetics B Study Section (MGB)
Program Officer
Carter, Anthony D
Project Start
1999-01-01
Project End
2016-12-31
Budget Start
2014-01-01
Budget End
2014-12-31
Support Year
16
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$352,351
Indirect Cost
$149,850
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
073130411
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199
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