P06 – TIC-TOC: Telescripting In Crops – Targeting Occurrence and Control

Abstract
This project investigates telescripting, a gene regulatory mechanism mediated by the U1 snRNP that prevents premature polyadenylation. While telescripting is well characterized in metazoan systems and was recently identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, its role in crops remains unknown. This study aims to uncover the role of telescripting in different crop species such as Brassica, barley, and wheat. By integrating differential expression analysis, polyadenylation site usage, and motif discovery, the project seeks to determine how alternative polyadenylation and cis-regulatory motifs shape crop transcriptomes. Ultimately, this work will improve our understanding of RNA-based regulatory mechanisms in crops and their potential relevance for adaptation under changing environments.