Manavella Lab

         MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential components of the genetic regulatory networks in plants and animals. Through inactivation of specific mRNAs, especially those encoding transcription factors, they modulate the homeostasis, development and responses to environmental stimuli of multicellular organisms. In order to accomplish its biological functions a spatial/temporal balance between a given miRNA and its targets has to be reached. Thus, a fine-regulation of the miRNA action is critical. In contrast to animals, where multiple regulatory factors modulating miRNA action have been identified, only a few have been found in plants.

       

        The goal of our lab is to elucidate the intricate mechanisms regulating the miRNA biogenesis and activity. In our lab we have several ongoing projects studying how the different steps of the miRNA biogenesis is regulated. We are using genetic screens to identify new cofactors that regulate the pathway and state-of-the-are approaches to understand, at molecular level, how they act. We are also focused in understanding how some of the well-known components of the processing machinery work and how their activity is regulated. But we don’t limit our studies only to the biogenesis of miRNAs, we are also interested in the regulation of the miRNA loading into the RISC as well as in the modulation of the activity of this complex.

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         We are also interested in understanding how other types of small RNAs, in particular het-siRNAs, regulate gene expression by altering the chromatin organization and topology. Furthermore, we aim to elucidate how these small molecules impact the evolutionary adaptation of plants to hostile environments. 

 

        Do you find our research lines exiting or are looking for a place to explore your own ideas concerning miRNA biogenesis? Well, may be it is time to start considering to join our lab…