Designing PPR proteins to knockdown mitochondrial gene expression

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are RNA-binding proteins that control organelle gene expression. The thesis aimed to provide insights about RNA recognition by PPR proteins and the possibility of redirecting them to desired targets. I helped show that RPF2 protein could be modified to bind and specifically induce cleavage of nad6 mRNA. I also targeted numerous mitochondrial transcripts by building a library of variant RPF2 proteins. One transformed line showed a reduction in complex V due to specific cleavage of atp1 transcripts induced by the modified RPF2. This thesis contributed to develop specific RNA targeting tools using PPR proteins.