RNA-centric view on Oligodendrocyte lineage development

Purpose and goal

The goal of this project was to investigate the function and mechanism of action of long non-coding RNAs and RNA-binding proteins in the oligodendrocyte lineage. I have successfully characterized to great depth mechanism and function of one oligodendrocyte-specific lncRNA with focus on chromatin states and chromatin architecture. Moreover, I have established single-cell resolution technologies - single-cell Cut&Tag and single-cell CRISPR screening in the lab which will provide extremely important insight into regulation of oligodendrocytes differentiation.

Expected results and effects

The results of this project are of high importance for the fields of lncRNAs, chromatin architecture as well as oligodendrocyte developmental biology. First, I have showed in great mechanistic detail how does KO of a specific lncRNA affect expression of neighbouring genes. Then, investigation of gene expression, activity and chromatin states at the single-cell level during oligodendrocytes differentiation will be of great interest for the community. We expect that these tow main projects will lead to two medium to high impact publications.

Planned approach and implementation

The proposed project has been implemented in parts as described in the proposal. I believe that I have fulfilled the main goals and where possible, extended the scope of the project - e.g. optimized and established novel single-cell resolution technologies in the lab. Moreover, the project allowed me to extend my professional network and made it possible for me to present the obtained data at important international conferences.