Sravya Ganesh - (ESR6)

Nationality: Indian

Main Host Institution: Institute of Molecular Genetics, Prague, Czech Republic.

Academic Background: MSc in Genetics

Project title: Role of Long non coding RNA (lncRNAs) in oocyte development and zygotic genome activation

Project Background: LncRNAs are a recently discovered class of non-protein coding RNAs, which are involved in a wide variety of biological processes. Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of lncRNAs in the biology of cancer, brain disorders, stem cells etc. and their role in regulating mammalian genomes is becoming widely appreciated. However, their roles in the female germline and oocyte-to-embryo transition are unknown.

Project Aim: During oocyte-to-embryo transition, a differentiated oocyte is transformed into an embryo, which will develop into a new organism. A massive reprogramming of gene expression underlies the transition. Our lab studies contribution of lncRNAs to the genome reprogramming during oocyte-to-embryo transition in mice. We identify maternal and zygotic lncRNAs and functionally characterize selected candidates by  producing loss-of-function mouse models.

Expected outcome: Identification of lncRNA essential for oocyte-to-embryo transition.