Jochen Imig: Systems Biology of RBP and ncRNA Networks in Cancer

Speaker: Jochen Imig, (Group leader, MPI of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund)

Host: Nikolaus Rajewsky

“Systems Biology of RBP and ncRNA Networks in Cancer” 
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as short or long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial regulators of gene expression and play significant roles in the development and progression of cancer. They influence cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and drug resistance by modulating the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. RBPs in turn, can interact with ncRNAs to form complex regulatory networks, further refine these processes by controlling e.g. RNA splicing, stability, localization, and translation. There is a dense regulatory interplay between ncRNAs and RNA binding proteins (RBPs) with implications for cancer pathogenesis. Dysregulation of such ncRNA and RBP interactions disrupts normal cellular functions, contributing to oncogenesis and cancer progression. We investigate the intricate networks of ncRNAs and RBPs offering promising avenues for novel diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment in a systems-wide fashion to advance our knowledge about molecular mechanisms in cancer. Jochen will present three recent examples of how we address RBP and ncRNA networks in melanoma and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Firstly, he will cover a focused CRISPR inhibition screen for lncRNAs involved in melanoma proliferation and progression uncovering novel candidates influencing in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and migration. Next, Jochen will showcase the particular lncRNA GRASLND, which we found to be an immune-system relevant lncRNA in melanoma and is important patient survival and treatment response. Lastly, he will turn into a study were analyze the “moonlighting” RNA-binding features of GAPDH in AML.  Our overall vision is to define and better understand the regulatory landscape of important cancer-related ncRNA and RBP interactomes with potential future prospects of therapeutic approaches and to open the “dark matter” of human non-coding transcriptome for druggability strategies

The talk is scheduled to take place at the MDC-BIMSB Large Conference Room and via Zoom. Please see below for the abstract. Jochen will also be available for 1-on-1 meetings on Friday, September 13. To arrange a meeting please contact Alex Tschernycheff on tschernycheff@mdc-berlin.de.

Organizers