MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules that
post-transcriptionally regulate eukaryotic gene expression in
a variety of cellular processes, including cell metabolism,
proliferation and differentiation. Current estimates suggest
that up to 30% of the human transcriptome is controlled
by miRNAs. Metazoan (animal) miRNAs recognise imperfectly
complementary sequences in the 3' untranslated regions of target
mRNAs and repress their translation by a mechanism that is not
yet understood. The focus of my research project is on the
mechanistic aspects of miRNA-driven translational repression.
Using a combined biochemical and structural approach, I intend
to dissect the molecular interactions underlying translational
repression elicited by miRNAs and ultimately obtain insights
into their structural basis.
