The role of RNA-binding proteins in post-transcriptional gene regulation of Trypanosoma brucei

Abstract

This thesis characterizes RNA footprints of several RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) thatare involved in U-insertion/deletion, A-to-I, and C-to-U RNA editing in Trypanosoma brucei. Relying on iCLIP data and biochemical methods it shows that two paralogs proteins from the MRB1 complex regulate distinct editing fates of the mitochondrial transcripts. Further, this thesis provides evidence where the combinatorial interplay of RBPs might fine-tune the levels of edited mRNA. Finally, the presented thesis adds to the growing evidence of the importance of RBPs in post-transcriptional gene regulation.