”RNA modifications: new mechanisms to regulate immune homeostasis and function”

Dynamic post-transcriptional modifications by RNA binding proteins have been demonstrated to play pivotal roles in immune cell development and functional differentiation. Despite being recognised as causalities for diseases, however, research on several classes of chemical modifications in mammalian cells is still in its infancy. Our aim is to shed light into (patho-)physiological functions of the most abundant RNA modification, pseudouridylation (Psi), during immune cell homeostasis and function. Thirteen non-redundant Psi-writers exist, conserved between human and mouse, of which two are the predominant modifiers of mRNA. Here, we will combine holistic (all Psi-writers) and targeted (two mRNA writers) approaches to gain insight into the function of Psi in immune cells in health and immune-mediated diseases. In light of these research aims, we have developed mutant mice, established extensive flow cytometry panels and specialised RNAseq techniques and build a network of collaborators with expertise in murine disease models.

Keywords:T cells, RNA modification, Pseudouridylation, mutant mice

Disciplines:Animal immunology, Single-cell data analysis, Adaptive immunology