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Delivery of RNA to the Mitochondria of Mammalian Cells

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Field Value
 
Title Delivery of RNA to the Mitochondria of Mammalian Cells
 
Creator Mahato, Biraj
 
Subject Molecular & Human Genetics
 
Description Many types of human diseases are caused by the mutations and deletions of the mitochondrial
genome. Attempts to rectify these genetic defects are hampered by lack of efficiency and efficacy.
On the other hand, the ability to efficiently transport tRNAs into mitochondria is present in various
species. For example, it is well known that kinetoplastid protozoa such as Leishmania have no tRNA
genes in their mitochondrial genome. To overcome this deficiency, these cells have a specialized
system for transport of tRNA from cytosol to mitochondria. The RNA import complex (RIC) from the
inner mitochondrial membrane is capable of importing tRNAs across natural and artificial
membranes. Recently it has been established that RIC, added to cultured human cells is taken up by
the cells and induces import of endogenous cytosolic tRNAs into the mitochondria of the treated
cells. In the present study, it is proposed to investigate whether functional RNAs, bound to RIC, can
be delivered to the mitochondria of mammalian cells and tissues. The conditions necessary to
achieve such delivery will be investigated. The consequences of such transport on mitochondrial
function will be studied. Thus, antisense RNAs may be targeted to specific mitochondrial mRNAs to
downregulate respiration. Conversely, sense RNAs may be transferred to correct deficiencies due to
mutations or deletions. Besides providing an efficient delivery system for therapeutic applications,
such studies may provide new information on the RNA regulatory pathways within mitochondria.
 
Date 2011
 
Type Thesis
NonPeerReviewed
 
Format application/pdf
 
Identifier http://www.eprints.iicb.res.in/23/1/Biraj_thesis_(2006%2D2011).pdf
Mahato, Biraj (2011) Delivery of RNA to the Mitochondria of Mammalian Cells. PhD thesis, Jadavpur University.
 
Relation http://www.eprints.iicb.res.in/23/