Project description

Our work is focussed on understanding the roles and functions of A-to-I RNA editing by the ADAR family of proteins. ADAR proteins can bind to RNA and change adenosine bases to inosine. Editing by ADAR1 is essential that cells can tell the difference between RNAs that are made by the cell and so not a threat compared to nucleic acids derived from pathogens such as viruses that invade the cell. We will use new models to understand how the expression of the two ADAR1 isoforms is regulated and to then use this to try to regulate expression in cells. This will enable us to better understand how ADAR1 is expressed and regulated and to enhance efforts to utilise ADAR editing for therapeutic purposes.