Grant: Operating Grant

RNA molecules are the necessary intermediaries of genes located in the nucleus of the cell and their encoded proteins, which are made in the cytoplasm. Until very recently, this was believed to be their only function. However, our analysis of several thousand different RNAs, using new technologies developed in our lab, has shown that, for at least 80% of these RNAs, they not only determine what protein is made, but where and when it is made. This is crucial for ensuring that proteins are efficiently produced where they are needed, and to make sure they are not produced where and when their presence could be harmful. Knowing these localization properties is crucial to understand how genes and their encoded products function, both individually and together with other RNAs and proteins. The importance of our efforts, which have led so far to approximately 7000 RNA distribution profiles available on a public database, is reflected by an average of 5000 queries per day by researchers from all over the world. The support requested here will be used to complete our analysis of all RNAs encoded in the genome, including newly discovered RNA classes that are not converted into proteins. To increase the usefulness and impact of our work, we will also expand our analyses to other important tissues and stages of development. This work is being conducted in the fruit fly, as it has proven to be the ideal model organism for the study of these highly conserved genes and processes.