RESEARCH

RNA BINDING PROTEINS

How do mRNAs localise to the leading front of motile endothelial cells?

The asymmetric distribution of particular RNAs in migrating endothelial cells suggests a selective transport of transcripts and raises challenging questions regarding the identity of factors involved in RNA localisation. We investigate the role of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) at the leading edge of endothelial cells involved in cell polarisation and motility and how pro-angiogenic factors may stimulate the subcellular localisation of RBPs. Unveiling the significance of such proteins in angiogenesis will be of great value, not only as regulators of endothelial cell modulation, but also as potential targets for localised subcellular therapies.

SUBCELLULAR RNA DISTRIBUTION

What links RNA localisation and vessel morphology?

We study mRNA localisation using models of vascular biology to unveil novel mechanisms underpinning spatial control of gene expression. We combine state-of-the-art high throughput technology with loss-of function approaches, how proteins responsible for cell morphology regulate subcellular mRNA localisation and local translation. In turn, we investigate how these mechanisms participate in endothelial cell motility and cell-cell junction remodelling. This framework will help us to fully grasp how subcellular mRNA distribution determines cell behaviour in the context of tissue biology.

DEVELOPING RNA THERAPEUTICS

Can we target RNA localisation to treat pathological angiogenesis?

Dysregulated angiogenesis is a major pathological factor contributing to the progression of several human disorders. Despite progresses made in the clinical management of pathological vessel growth, particular issues related to resistance, response and side effects represent major limitations in current treatments. For this reason, the development of novel strategies constitutes a pressing need in the field. Taking advantage of in vitro and in vivo models of angiogenesis, we investigate the potential of mRNA mislocalisation with antisense molecules as therapeutic tools to control undesired blood vessel formation.