MFB: Defining a molecular grammar for ribonucleoprotein particle trafficking

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $1,200,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

RNA molecules are actively transported in many tissues of our body, including muscle, brain, skin, digestive tract, heart, among others. This process is important to maximize efficiency of protein production and to provide spatial and temporal control of various biological processes. It is well known that molecular motors (kinesins) carry RNAs in cells by interacting with RNA binding proteins. There are 45 kinesin motors, hundreds of RNA binding proteins, and thousands of RNAs – and due to this complexity, we lack basic understanding of a specificity code that directs an RNA to the appropriate location(s) at the requisite time. This project seeks to elucidate any underlying specificity code that could then be leveraged for biotechnological applications. Objective 1 is to elucidate an association code between kinesins and RNA binding proteins, and Objective 2 is to integrate this knowledge with RNA targets. Success of this project will broadly benefit society by 1) opening up a new field of study, 2) providing training and outreach opportunities to students and postdocs, as well as other scientists involved in this work, and 3) providing a repository of data and knowledge that will be publicly shared via web servers and analytical pipelines. RNA sequences and structures interact with specific RNA binding proteins (RBPs); together, these interactions influence biogenesis of ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) and their cellular functions. It is known that trafficking of RNAs

Key facts

NSF award ID
2515694
Awardee
University of Florida (FL)
SAM.gov UEI
NNFQH1JAPEP3
PI
Eric T Wang
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
NANOSCALE BIO CORE, Biotechnology
Estimated total
$1,200,000
Funds obligated
$1,200,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
08/15/2025 → 07/31/2028