Functional Analysis of microRNAs in C. elegans spermatogenesis

7. PROJECT SUMMARY
Small RNAs, including microRNAs, have been shown to play critical roles in the regulation of
gene expression in the germ line. However, the specific pathways and targets regulated by individual
microRNAs in the process of spermatogenesis remain largely unknown. The identification of direct
targets regulated by individual microRNAs remains a central challenge in the field. In this grant, we
propose to identify direct targets of germline microRNAs that function in the regulation of
spermatogenesis. We are using the model system of C. elegans, which has been instrumental in defining
the core principles of individual microRNA regulation of targets in developmental pathways. In prior
work, we and others have identified the set of microRNAs that are expressed in C. elegans germ cells and
somatic gonad cells. Additionally, we have identified a set of microRNAs that function to regulate sperm
formation. However, the pathways and targets that they regulate remain largely uncharacterized. This
work will address two central questions: 1) What are the target mRNAs that associate with a germline
specific Argonaute protein? 2) How does regulation by microRNAs through the 3’ UTR of target mRNAs
act to control spermatogenesis? This work will provide a foundation for future investigation to
comprehensively define the microRNA targets that act in the germ line to regulate the process of
spermatogenesis.

Grant Number: 2R15GM126458-02
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Allison Abbott