# P granules and control of germ cell development

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA · 2020 · $293,413

## Abstract

Abstract
 Germ cells carry out the reproductive function of multicellular organisms, and normal germ cell
development ensures survival of the species. Germ granules are conserved cytoplasmic organelles of germ
cells, essential for survival, differentiation, and function of these cells. Mutations in germ granule components
or loss of their expression lead to infertility in model organisms and are associated with infertility in humans. By
contrast, inappropriate expression of germ granule components in somatic cells is linked to carcinogenesis in
humans. Many RNA-binding proteins and developmentally regulated mRNAs are found enriched in germ
granules, leading to a hypothesis that these organelles function in regulation of mRNA stability or translational
activity; yet, the molecular function of these organelles is still undefined.
 The nematode C. elegans has been instrumental for analysis of mRNA translational control in germline
development. Through focusing on cofactors that promote localization of RNA-binding regulatory protein FBF-2
to germ granules (called P granules in this species) in germline stem cells we have generated a set of
innovative tools that will address key mechanisms through which P granules regulate FBF-2 activity. By
integrating genetic, molecular, biochemical and imaging-based approaches, we will: 1) Determine how FBF-2
interaction with a cofactor protein DLC-1 important for P granule localization impacts translational repression
exerted by FBF-2; 2) Define the mechanisms of P granule remodeling that specifically degrade FBF-2 at the
onset of meiosis when stem cells transition from proliferation to differentiation; 3) Determine the role of DLC-1
binding to core P granule components in regulation of stability of embryonic P granules and in recruitment of
transient P granule components such as FBF-2 to adult germline P granules. Our experimental system is
poised to reveal specific molecular mechanisms mediating the interplay between germ granules and
translational regulation. Since germ granules are conserved organelles and our research focuses on
conserved regulatory proteins, studies in this model system will provide critical insight into the causes of
infertility in humans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10005391
- **Project number:** 5R01GM109053-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
- **Principal Investigator:** Ekaterina Voronina
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $293,413
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-03-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10005391

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10005391, P granules and control of germ cell development (5R01GM109053-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10005391. Licensed CC0.

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