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Did you know that cells making myelin—the insulating layer that allows nerves to rapidly transmit signals—rely on a finely tuned network of RNA-binding proteins to coordinate their development?

In Yuqing Wang‘s project, one of the individual projects taking place in our RBP-ReguNet MSCA-DN at CiMUS (Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases), he studies how RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) control the process of myelination in Schwann cells, the cells responsible for insulating peripheral nerves. RBPs act like molecular “editors” that determine how RNA messages are processed before they are translated into proteins. One important step they regulate is alternative splicing, where a single gene can produce different protein versions depending on how its RNA is cut and joined.

Two RBPs that we are particularly interested in are QKI and CELF2. These proteins help control the expression and splicing of genes involved signaling pathways that are essential for Schwann cells to wrap axons with myelin.

When this regulatory system is disrupted, Schwann cells may fail to form stable myelin or may lose it during disease. By combining RNA sequencing with molecular experiments, we aim to uncover how these RBPs coordinate the RNA programs that drive myelin formation.

Understanding this RNA regulation network could provide new insights into peripheral nerve disorders and demyelinating diseases and may eventually help identify targets for therapies that promote nerve repair.

RBP MSCA DoctoralNetworks Biology Neurobiology Myelin Research Excellence