The Need

In the field of post-transcriptional gene regulation, understanding the functions of RNA-binding proteins is crucial for controlling cellular processes and development in organisms. However, the lack of reliable tools for studying these proteins in vivo, particularly in plant cells, has hindered progress. Existing techniques are primarily in vitro and involve complex processes like heterologous expression and purification of individual proteins, making them laborious and less effective. The need for a system, method, and technique that allows for the modulation and study of post-transcriptional RNA regulation is evident.

The Technology

Our innovative technology addresses this gap with an expression construct designed for expressing an engineered protein capable of tethering a protein of interest to a target RNA molecule. This construct comprises a promoter linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding the engineered protein. The RNA-binding polypeptide of the engineered protein, containing various RNA-binding structural motifs, recognizes and specifically binds to an RNA recognition sequence in the target RNA molecule, thereby facilitating the tethering of the protein of interest.

Commercial Applications

• Functional Genomics: Determine the function of RNA-binding proteins and study RNA-protein interactions in vivo.
• Biotechnology Research: Facilitate the modification of RNA molecule functions for applications such as mRNA stability reduction or translation enhancement.
• CRISPR/Cas Systems: Enable the expression of engineered proteins, including Cas9, for programmable nucleic acid modification.
• Drug Development: Screen and identify RNA-binding proteins for potential therapeutic targets.
• Crop Improvement: Study and manipulate post-transcriptional regulation in plant cells for agricultural advancements.

Benefits/Advantages

• In Vivo Analysis: Perform functional studies in living cells, providing more accurate insights into RNA-protein interactions.
• Versatility: Compatible with various RNA-binding domains and protein of interest options.
• Efficiency: Streamlined system reduces the laborious nature of current in vitro techniques.
• Precise Modulation: Tether proteins to target RNA molecules for specific and controlled functional modifications.
• Plant Cell Compatibility: Overcome limitations by offering a reliable tool for studying RNA-protein interactions in plant cells.