Experimental validation of candidate microRNAs as regulators of tRNA methylation genes over effect of b chromosomes and sex

• Grant number: 16/07743-7
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): July 01, 2016
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Animal Genetics
• Principal researcher: César Martins
• Grantee: Adauto Lima Cardoso
• Supervisor abroad: Manfred Schartl
• Home Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Universität Würzburg, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 12/21546-9 - Immunocytogenetic analysis in the cichlid fish Astatotilapia latifasciata: epigenetic inferences and its contributions in understanding the biological role of B chromosomes, BP.DR

Abstract

B chromosomes are extra elements identified in the genome of several groups of eukaryotes and are traditionally referred as not functional units. The cichlid fish Astatotilapia latifasciata has B chromosomes ranging from zero to two among individuals and its origin, evolution and functional aspects are relatively well understood, but its epigenetic effects are still poorly explored. Transfer RNA (tRNA) methylation is necessary to efficiency of the translation and stability of these molecules. This RNA modification is conducted by Trdmt1 and Nsun2 genes, which have expression under effect of B chromosomes and sex in A. latifasciata. Candidate microRNAs (miRNA) under the regulation of these genes in A. latifasciata were identified and alteration on their expression could explain the effects on gene expression. However, experimental validations need to be performed yet. Then, the present project focuses in the validation of interactions of miRNAs and their targets using their homologues in cell lines of Oryzias latipes and Xiphophorus maculatus. (AU)