Past projects:
Novel regulatory RNAs interacting with the transcription machinery in bacteria
Goal: Bacteria commonly use small regulatory RNAs that bind RNA polymerase and influence gene transcription. In Mycobacterium smegmatis, we discovered a new small RNA, Ms1, which binds the RNA polymerase core enzyme and helps regulate its levels. Related RNAs are also found in other actinobacteria.
Using RIP-seq, we will identify RNAs that interact with the transcription machinery in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Corynebacterium glutamicum, where such regulatory RNAs have not yet been described. Our preliminary data show that, in addition to the known 6S and Ms1 RNAs, other RNAs associate with RNA polymerase.
Principal investigator: J. Hnilicová
Grantor: Czech Science Foundation
Duration: 2023-01 to 2025-12
Grant number: 23-05622S
CrsL – a novel transcriptional regulator in mycobacteria
Goal: The regulation of mycobacterial transcription is not yet fully understood, unlike in the extensively studied bacterial model organism, E. coli. Therefore, thorough molecular and structural studies are necessary. In our laboratory, we have discovered a novel transcription factor, CrsL. The overarching aim of this project is to gain a deep understanding of CrsL’s function in mycobacteria.
Principal investigator: Mahmoud Shoman
Grantor: Charles University Grant Agency (GA UK)
Duration: 2023-01 to 2024-12
Grant number: 275823