Objectif The goal of this project is to contribute to our understanding of RNA-mediated epigenetic mechanisms of genome regulation in eukaryotes. Ciliated protozoa offer a fantastic opportunity to investigate the complex process of trans-generational programming of chromosomal rearrangements, which is thought to serve as a form of immune defense against invasive DNA. Developmental processes in ciliates include extensive rearrangements of the germline DNA, including elimination of transposons and the precise excision of numerous single-copy elements derived from transposons. This process is considered to be maternally controlled because the maternal genome provides essential information in the form of RNA that determines the offspring's genome content and organization. This programmed DNA subtraction, the so-called ‘RNA scanning’ process, is mediated by trans-generational comparison between the germline and the maternal somatic genome. One of the most intriguing questions is how a complex population of small RNAs representing the entire germline genome can be compared to the entire rearranged maternal genome, resulting in the efficient selection of germline-specific RNAs, which are able to target DNA deletions in the developing genome. All this occurs in a very short time and involves a massively coordinated transport of all the components between three types of nuclei. This project focuses on characterizing the molecular machinery that can orchestrate the massive genome rearrangements in ciliates through nucleic acids and protein interactions. It also addresses the question how RNA targets DNA cleavage at the right place. In addition, this project aims to investigate the role of RNA in guiding chromosomal rearrangements in other eukaryotic systems, particularly in human cancer cells where genome editing often occurs on a large scale. This work may be the first step in providing novel insights into the process of programmed DNA rearrangements in higher eukaryotes. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesnucleic acidsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyprotozoologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNAnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomes Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Thème(s) ERC-CoG-2015 - ERC Consolidator Grant Appel à propositions ERC-2015-CoG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant Institution d’accueil UNIVERSITAET BERN Contribution nette de l'UE € 1 953 000,00 Adresse HOCHSCHULSTRASSE 6 3012 Bern Suisse Voir sur la carte Région Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Espace Mittelland Bern / Berne Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 1 953 000,00 Bénéficiaires (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution nette de l'UE Tout développer Tout réduire UNIVERSITAET BERN Suisse Contribution nette de l'UE € 1 953 000,00 Adresse HOCHSCHULSTRASSE 6 3012 Bern Voir sur la carte Région Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Espace Mittelland Bern / Berne Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 1 953 000,00