RNomics: Identification of small non-messenger RNAs and small petide RNAs in Aspergillus fumigatus

Genome projects are aimed towards identification of complete sets of genes in a given organism. This is a prerequisite for a complete understanding of biology including gene expression, function of its products and evolutionary relationships. Current approaches primarily focus on protein-coding genes. Genes that express short (e.g. less than 300 nt) open reading frames (ORFs) or genes encoding small non-messenger RNAs (snmRNAs), are currently difficult to identify with biocomputational methods, only. Unlike for predicting mRNAs, where computer programs aid in identifying coding regions by the presence of promoter elements, splice sites and open reading frames (ORFs), snmRNAs are more difficult to predict solely by in silico analysis. Small non-messenger RNAs play a wide range of roles in the cell from chromosomal DNA replication (telomerase RNA) or splicing (small nuclear RNAs) to translation (tRNAs, ribosomal RNAs) and regulation of gene expression (miRNAs, siRNAs). In this application, we aim towards the identification and function of novel snmRNAs in a pathogenic organism, Aspergillus fumigatus. We will set out an experimental approach, designated as Experimental RNomics, which encompases the generation of a specialized cDNA library for cloning of novel snmRNA species. Expression of snmRNAs will be anaylsed under various growth conditions and developmental stages. Genes of selected snmRNAs will be disrupted in Aspergillus fumigatus, and protein binding partners will be identified, with the goal to elucidate the function of these novel snmRNAs. Our Experimental RNomics approach will complement the analysis of protein-coding genes in this species. In addition, we will be able to identify small protein-coding mRNAs (pepRNAs), which are difficult to detect by bioinformatical approaches, only. By finding novel snmRNAs in Aspergilus fumigatus, it might be possible to identify novel targets for the treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus infections, for which - as of now - there are only very limited numbers of therapeutic drugs available.

Genome projects are aimed towards identification of complete sets of genes in a given organism. This is a prerequisite for a complete understanding of biology including gene expression, function of its products and evolutionary relationships. Current approaches primarily focus on protein-coding genes. Genes that express short (e.g. less than 300 nt) open reading frames (ORFs) or genes encoding small non-messenger RNAs (snmRNAs), are currently difficult to identify with biocomputational methods, only. Unlike for predicting mRNAs, where computer programs aid in identifying coding regions by the presence of promoter elements, splice sites and open reading frames (ORFs), snmRNAs are more difficult to predict solely by in silico analysis. Small non-messenger RNAs play a wide range of roles in the cell from chromosomal DNA replication (telomerase RNA) or splicing (small nuclear RNAs) to translation (tRNAs, ribosomal RNAs) and regulation of gene expression (miRNAs, siRNAs). In this application, we aim towards the identification and function of novel snmRNAs in a pathogenic organism, Aspergillus fumigatus. We will set out an experimental approach, designated as Experimental RNomics, which encompases the generation of a specialized cDNA library for cloning of novel snmRNA species. Expression of snmRNAs will be anaylsed under various growth conditions and developmental stages. Genes of selected snmRNAs will be disrupted in Aspergillus fumigatus, and protein binding partners will be identified, with the goal to elucidate the function of these novel snmRNAs. Our Experimental RNomics approach will complement the analysis of protein-coding genes in this species. In addition, we will be able to identify small protein-coding mRNAs (pepRNAs), which are difficult to detect by bioinformatical approaches, only. By finding novel snmRNAs in Aspergilus fumigatus, it might be possible to identify novel targets for the treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus infections, for which - as of now - there are only very limited numbers of therapeutic drugs available.