Functional evolution of non-coding RNAs: A driving force for multicellularity?

The aim of the proposed project is to gain insight into the evolution of multicellularity.

Traditionally, multicellular evolution has been studied from a protein-centered perspective, however, recent findings suggest that non-coding (nc)RNAs (not translated to proteins) may play important roles.

We will investigate the contribution of two different classes of ncRNAs to multicellularity: microRNAs and Class I RNAs involved in early multicellular development.

This will primarily be studied in Dictyostelia, a well-defined group of amoebae where cells grow as single cells but upon starvation aggregates as multicellular organisms, allowing for studies of the transition from uni- to multicellular life-style.

For the next four years, we will use computational analyses of the many sequenced genomes of Dictyostelia species combined with large scale RNA sequencing to analyze presence or absence of the ncRNAs in different species.

The well-established Dictyostelia genetic model, Dictyostelium discoideum, will be used for detailed mechanistic studies, using methods such as fluorescently labelled proteins and gene disruptions followed by phenotypic analyses.

In order to understand commonality of ncRNA regulation, we will extend these studies to other organisms where aggregative multicellularity independently evolved.

This unique approach, using organisms that hoover between uni- and multicellularity, will provide insights into the role of ncRNAs in evolution of multicellular life.