Sequencing the m6A (epi)transcriptome of C. elegans

Regulation of gene expression is essential for the development and survival of organisms and RNA is at the centre of many gene regulatory processes. There are more than 150 diverse chemical modifications found on RNA. Recent discoveries have shown that RNA modifications are dynamically regulated and they play key roles in gene regulatory mechanisms. Research in our RNA (epi)genetics group focuses on the role of RNA methylations in germline development and germ cell proliferation using the nematode C. elegans as an animal model.
The PhD project is aimed at comprehensive identification of m6A (N6-methyladenosine) modified transcripts during C. elegans development using the latest RNA-sequencing approaches. In addition, the project will combine C. elegans genetics with sequencing approaches identify the target RNAs of the m6A methyltransferase METT-10 (human METTL16). METT-10 is an essential m6A methyltransferase required for germ cell proliferation. The project will generate novel data that will benefit many other research groups and will lead to important insights into how m6A modified transcripts affect germ cells.