This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) supports research focused on understanding the biogenesis, uptake, and cellular response to ribonucleoprotein (RNP) cargoes within extracellular vesicles (EVs). The $300,000 award to Vanderbilt University, effective March 1, 2024, will fund work to characterize the assembly of EV-associated RNP complexes and how they are delivered and act within recipient cells. The project utilizes the EV-CLASP technology developed by the Ascano and Weaver labs to enable precise tracking of RNA-protein interactions during EV biogenesis and uptake. Expected outcomes include defining key RNP complexes sorted into EVs, identifying pioneer protein interactions upon EV entry, and understanding the role of membraneless condensates in RNA sorting. This interdisciplinary effort aims to advance the scientific understanding of intercellular communication via EV-associated RNAs and introduce new methodologies with potential biotechnology applications in areas like agriculture and human health.
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