Genetics and Genomics Commons^™

Uncovering Novel Small Regulatory Rna In Protostome, Sweta Khanal

Dissertations

Small RNAs play pivotal roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation across diverse phylum of protostomes. In this study, we investigate the functional significance of atypical miRNAs, mirtron miR-1017 in Drosophila. Through ectopic expression in neuronal cells, we demonstrate that miR-1017 extends lifespan by targeting its host transcript, acetylcholine receptor Dα2, and influencing its splicing. This novel trans-regulatory function suggests a mechanism for mirtron evolution, highlighting the interplay between splicing and post-transcriptional regulation. Additionally, we profile small RNA populations in the polychaete developmental model Capitella teleta, shedding light on the small RNA landscape in annelid worms. Our analysis reveals a rich …

Characterizing Endogenous Dicer Products To Unravel Novel Rnai Biogenesis Pathways, Jacob Oche Peter

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

RNA interference (RNAi) is a pervasive gene regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes based on the action of multiple classes of small RNA (sRNA). Exploiting RNAi pathways in non-model systems have great potential for creating potent RNAi technologies. Here, we accessed RNAi-mediated control of gene expression in the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (T. urticae) using engineered dsRNA designed to modulate the host RNAi pathway and increase RNAi efficacy. Analysis of Dicer (Dcr) generated fragments revealed how exogenous RNAs access the host RNAi pathway in this animal, opening avenues for designing RNAi technology for their control. Further, some organisms …