Durdica Ugarkovic
| vCard Durdica Ugarkovic | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation: | Ruder Boskovic Institute |
| Phone: | 385-1-4561197 |
| WorkingGroup: | Evo-Devo |
| Species: | |
Research Focus: Non-coding RNA and gene regulation
I study molecular evolution and function of satellite DNAs in coleopteran species from the family Tenebrionidae (genera Tribolium and Palorus). These species are characterized by high amount of satellite DNAs located in pericentromeric heterochromatin of all chromosomes. However, the satellite elements are also spread all over the genome and are found in close vicinity of the genes. I am interested to explain possible functional significance of these elements. One of the possibilities is that they function as non-coding RNAs that could possibly effect the activity of the neighboring genes .
Analysis of transcription of satellite elements revealed multiple (1-5 kb) transcripts differentially expressed from both satellite DNA strands. They are present both in nucleus and in cytoplasm and are partially polyadenylated. Major transcription initiation sites are determined and putative RNA polymerase II promoters are mapped within the satellite repeats. The transcripts are developmentally regulated and are not processed into siRNAs. Transcription of satellite elements located in the vicinity of the genes is investigated and correlated with the expression of the neighboring genes.
