Characterizing the mRNA-protein “interactome” of plants

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) constitute a diverse group of proteins that control the fate and expression of the transcriptome. Despite their apparent importance and potential role in key processes such as post-transcriptional gene regulation (PTGR), relatively little is known about plant RBP biology. Here, adapting a recently developed method for animal cells known as “interactome capture”, we plan to globally identify the cohort of plant proteins that bind to mRNA. We will investigate how these RBPs interact with other PTGR pathways and investigate their physiological significance. This will lay the foundation for further plant RBPs research, pioneering an “omics” approach in this relatively neglected area of plant biology.   

 

Partnerships

This is a collaborative project with Prof Thomas Preiss (JCSMR).