Project information
Functional characterization of human Ckd13 (Characterization of Cdk13)

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) play a major role in the regulation of the cell cycle and transcription. RNA transcription is highly regulated process and CDKs dictate the phosphorylation state of the C-Terminal Domain (CTD) of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII). Strikingly, a little is known about recently identified Cdk13 and its exact in vivo function remains elusive. Similarly to other CDKs, Cdk13 phosphorylates the CTD of RNAPII in vitro. Apart from the CTD phosphorylation, Cdk13 may have additional roles in RNA processing through interacting directly with RNA processing factors. Consistent with a plausible role in RNA processing, Cdk13 is localized in nuclear speckles, which are enriched for splicing factors. Importantly, Cdk13 has been linked to cancer and it has also been suggested that Cdk13 affects the splicing of HIV and might act as its restriction factor.
In the proposed research, I aim to identify protein interaction partners of Cdk13 by a BioID screening and I will investigate cellular substrates by applying analog-sensitive cell lines. Since Cdk13 has been linked to RNA processing, I will address potential RNA targets by RNA in vivo cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP). Last but not least, I also aim to utilize current state-of-the-art genome-editing tool CRISPR/Cas9 for endogenous gene tagging and transcriptional silencing. Based on this experimental setup, I would like to shed more light on the function of Cdk13, and thus provide another layer of understanding to transcription regulation and RNA processing.