The role of heat shock inducible long non-coding RNA, hsrω, in apoptosis-induced proliferation and its implications

Hounsell, Caitlin (2025). The role of heat shock inducible long non-coding RNA, hsrω, in apoptosis-induced proliferation and its implications. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Hounsell2025PhD.pdf
Text - Accepted Version
Restricted to Repository staff only until 31 July 2029.
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (61MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Apoptosis-induced proliferation (AiP) is an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon where apoptotic cells induce proliferation of surrounding tissue. Studies in Drosophila report that AiP in proliferating cells is mediated through the initiator caspase Dronc culminating in the activation of the stress response c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) signalling pathway leading to the release of wingless (Wg), decapentaplegic (Dpp), and Spitz (Spi) mitogens to the surrounding tissue. However, it is not yet clear how Dronc activates the stress response JNK signalling or how this is regulated.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are involved in the regulation of stress response, signalling pathways and tumour progression. The stress-inducible lncRNA hsrω is involved in the regulation of the Drosophila heat shock response and has also been noted to have a role in disease protein accumulation and proteotoxicity.
In this thesis a novel role for hsrω in the regulation of cellular stress, including proteostasis and the activation of JNK, during AiP and beyond is presented. This has implications for the understanding of lncRNA functions in cellular stress, apoptosis, proliferation and tumorigenesis.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):