Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes
NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
About This Grant
ABSTRACT Life begins with the fusion of unipotent sperm and egg, forming a totipotent zygote capable of generating an entire organism. The mechanisms governing totipotency during preimplantation development remain poorly understood. RNA modifications, such as methylation, play essential roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Here, we aim to explore the role of a putative RNA methyltransferase in regulating totipotency and early embryonic development. The zygote is initially transcriptionally silent, relying on maternal RNA and proteins. Its genome undergoes transcriptional activation through zygotic genome activation (ZGA), a pivotal process involving two phases: minor ZGA and major ZGA. This transition is characterized by a dramatic increase in gene expression, enabling further embryonic development. RNA modifications, including methylation by METTL proteins, play key roles in gene expression. Analysis of single cell sequencing data from mouse preimplantation embryos revealed that Mettl7a1, encoding a putative RNA methyltransferase, is highly expressed during 1-cell and early two-cell stage, coinciding with minor ZGA. Knockdown of Mettl7a1 in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) downregulated totipotency markers and reduced the proportion of 2- cell-like cells (2CLCs), which exhibit features of totipotency. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that Mettl7a1 regulates ZGA and totipotency via its RNA methyltransferase activity. Aim 1 will investigate Mettl7a1’s role in minor ZGA and preimplantation development. Aim 2 will identify RNA targets and modifications catalyzed by METTL7A1. This work will uncover novel mechanisms of totipotency regulation, advancing knowledge in developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and epitranscriptomics.
Grant Summary
Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes is a NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grant providing up to $430K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-07-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Up to $430K
2028-07-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development before the deadline.
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Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes?
Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes is offered by NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes provide?
Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes provides up to $430K per award from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes deadline?
Applications for Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes are due 2028-07-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes?
To apply for Regulation of totipotent gene expression program by RNA modifying enzymes, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.