Decoding epigenetic modifications – DFG funds CRC 1309 with R. Schneider as project leader
As part of the collaborative research center (CRC) ‘Chemical Biology of Epigenetic Modifications’ (SFB 1309), Robert Schneider, Director of the Institute of Functional Epigenetics’ at Helmholtz Munich, receives funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) to study the molecular mechanisms of RNA methylations in cell fate decisions.
In the framework of the CRC 1309, researchers are deciphering the information encoded in chemical modifications of DNA, RNA and proteins. Initiated in 2018, the CRC unites experts in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, as well as Pharmacy from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, the Technical University Munich, and Helmholtz Munich represented by Robert Schneider.
An unexpected journey – Screening for modifiers identifies novel RNA-modifying enzymes
During the previous funding period, groups within the CRC made substantial contributions to decoding the function of DNA, RNA, and protein modifications. In particular, Robert Schneider and his team studied novel modification types on histone proteins. These histones are the fundamental components of the DNA packaging structure. The researchers shed light on how histone acylation, such as succinylation, can contribute to the regulation of DNA packaging and thus gene expression (Shahidian et al., 2021, Nitsch et al. 2021).
In parallel, they had set up a screen to identify novel modifying enzymes, which has opened the doors to the exciting research field ‘epitranscriptomics’. The Schneider team found a set of novel enzymes that modify RNA molecules. They were able to reveal the substrates of the two RNA methyltransferases METTL5 and METTL6, the function of the modifications they catalyze, and their role in disease processes (Ignatova et al., 2020a, Ignatova et al., 2020b). “During the new funding period, we will build on our expertise and implement new methods to study the role of RNA modifications in a physiologically highly relevant context, in particular cell fate decisions. This will have important implications for enhancing cellular reprogramming for personalized medicine.”, said R. Schneider.
For more information on the CRC1309 ‘Chemical Biology of Epigenetic Modifications', please go here.