Prof. Dr. Franka Voigt

Area of Research

Description of Research Interest

Targeting of RNA transcripts to diverse subcellular localizations has been observed in many different organisms and was identified as a general regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression on a transcriptome-wide scale. It has important functions in development and tissue homeostasis and attracts increasing interest for its role in cancer progression and metastasis. Yet, the mechanisms and RNA sequence elements that target most transcripts to specific subcellular localizations remain obscure. Most likely because cis-acting elements greatly vary in length and can act synergistically, it has been challenging to identify them based on primary sequence alone.

We employ single-molecule imaging techniques in combination with 3D organoid model systems to unravel the molecular mechanisms that target individual RNA transcripts to diverse subcellular localizations, cell types and tissues.

Member of Collaborative/interdisciplinary Research Consortia

NCCR RNA & Disease