Project description:Ribo-seq with firefly luciferase optimality reporters to determine whether incomplete translation and/or inhibited translation initiation is responsible for the reduced ribosome occupancy on nonoptimal transcripts.
Project description:The RNA-binding protein hnRNP K was knocked down using siRNA in human SH-SY5Y. As a control, cells were treated with an siRNA against firefly luciferase.
Project description:Gene expression profiles of primary lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) isolated from human foreskin were analyzed after siRNA-mediated knockdown of control (firefly luciferase), Prox1, NR2F2 or Prox1/NR2F2 for 48 hours.
Project description:Fireflies and their fascinating luminous courtships have inspired centuries of scientific study. Today firefly luciferase is widely used in biotechnology, but the evolutionary origin of their bioluminescence remains unclear. To shed light on this long-standing question, we sequenced the genomes of two firefly species that diverged over 100 million-years-ago: the North American Photinus pyralis and Japanese Aquatica lateralis. To compare bioluminescent origins, we also sequenced the genome of a related click-beetle, the Caribbean Ignelater luminosus, with bioluminescent biochemistry near-identical to fireflies, but anatomically unique light organs, suggesting the intriguing but contentious hypothesis of parallel gains of bioluminescence. Our analyses support two independent gains of bioluminescence between fireflies and click-beetles, and provide new insights into the genes, chemical defenses, and symbionts that evolved alongside their luminous lifestyle.