Imre Gaspar

Biography

Future projects and goals We combine genetics, biochemistry and a broad spectrum of cell biological and imaging approaches to study: How RNA targeting signals and proteins associated to form RNPs competent for mRNA transport and translational control. Spatial and temporal control of translation. Polarisation of the cytoskeleton. The roles and regulation of cytoskeletal motors in RNA localisation. Developmental roles of non-canonical RNA binding proteins. Germ plasm assembly and function.

Research Interest

Previous and current research Post-transcriptional RNA regulation is central to organismal development and function. The combination of intracellular mRNA localisation and localised translation is a powerful strategy that allows quick and local deployment of protein activities in cells in response to extrinsic signals. mRNA localisation is widespread and conserved from yeast to man. It is involved in the establishment of cell asymmetry, is particularly evident in large cells, such as eggs and neurons, and has key roles in cell fate decisions, cell migration, cell morphology, and polarised cell functions. Asymmetric RNA localisation can be achieved by different mechanisms, such as active transport of RNAs by motor proteins moving on cytoskeletal elements, local protection of RNAs from degradation, facilitated diffusion and trapping. In the large Drosophila melanogaster oocyte, asymmetrically localised cell fate determinants specify the body axes and pattern the future embryo and fly, making it an ideal model for the study of RNA localisation. During oogenesis, the embryonic axis determinant-encoding oskar, bicoid and gurken mRNAs are transported to specific sites within the oocyte, where they are anchored and locally translated, thus ensuring spatial restriction of their protein products. A polarised cytoskeleton and specific motor proteins mediate mRNA transport and anchoring within the oocyte. Our research combines live-imaging, super-resolution microscopy, genetics and biochemistry to understand how mRNAs are transported, anchored and locally translated.