Objective
The objective of this proposal is to define the molecular basis behind the origin and protection of unstable repetitive DNA sequences during sexual reproduction. Eukaryotic genomes contain large amounts of repetitive elements that serve vital roles in cellular physiology. However, repetitive elements are intrinsically unstable, which is caused by a high likelihood for incorrect repair when DNA breaks form within repetitive elements. During sexual reproduction, numerous DNA breaks are actively introduced into the genome, and repetitive sequences particularly threaten genome stability during this specialized developmental program.
We will use the repetitive budding yeast ribosomal (r)DNA array as a model locus to study repetitive DNA instability. Our previous work showed that the outermost elements of this large repetitive array (i.e. rDNA array boundaries) are DNA break ‘fragile sites’, which attract DNA breaks during sexual reproduction. Importantly, we isolated the first known enzymatic ‘anti-DNA break’ system, which minimizes DNA break formation at rDNA array boundaries and as such is crucially required to maintain genome stability.
In the experiments outlined here, we will use a combination of genomics, molecular biology and biochemistry to:
1) Interrogate the origins of the vulnerability of the repetitive rDNA boundaries for DNA breaks, and
2) Define how a first-in-class ‘anti-DNA break’ system locally protects against DNA break formation.
These studies will serve as a paradigm for repetitive DNA instability, yielding major insights into the general principles that govern protection of vulnerable genomic elements during sexual reproduction. It is well established that incorrect repair of DNA breaks involving repetitive sequences during sexual reproduction causes a myriad of human congenital disorders. Therefore, we foresee that insights gained from this work have the potential to help us understand the aetiology of human genetic disease.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics chromosomes
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes eukaryotic genomes
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2014-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.