Functions of long noncoding RNAs

In order to understand lncRNA function, we established in the lab several experimental systems where we can perturb and activate lncRNA expression using RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, or CRISPR interference:

• Differentiation of human and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into neuronal progenitors and neurons
• Differentiation of human ESCs into various cells of the endodermal lineage
• Transgenic mouse animals (lncRNA knockouts)
• Regeneration of peripheral neurons in vivo and in culture
• Memory formation in the central nervous system
• Response of breast cancer cells to signaling cues

In these systems, we target several carefully selected and conserved lncRNAs and measure the effects on the organismal, cellular and molecular level.