Objective
The majority of eukaryotes reproduce sexually via meiosis. During meiosis homologous chromosomes pair and undergo reciprocal genetic exchange termed crossover. Meiotic recombination is a major evolutionary force and has a profound effect on patterns of genetic diversity in sexual species. Crossovers distributions are highly non-random and are typically focused in narrow hotspots. Study of hotspots throughout eukaryotes has revealed combinations of genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to their distributions. In this proposal we will use the extensive genetics and genomics tools available in Arabidopsis to comprehensively dissect hotspot patterning. The strategic aim of the proposal is to use this knowledge to direct de novo hotspots to loci of choice. In the first aim we will use functional genomics to profile the chromosomal distributions of key recombination proteins and test the role of chromatin and higher-order structures in driving these patterns. In the second aim we will study individual hotspots at the fine-scale, to the resolution of individual polymorphisms, using amplification and sequencing of recombinant molecules from gamete DNA. To test genetic versus epigenetic control of hotspots we will use genome-editing to delete hotspot-associated CTT-repeat DNA sequence motifs, in addition to directing DNA methylation in order to epigenetically silence recombination. In the final aim we will use our combined knowledge of hotspot control to implement genome-editing technologies (TALENs & CRISPR-Cas9) during meiosis. This will allow us to rationally control hotspot locations, which will be definitive proof that our models for recombination control are correct. This technology will also accelerate breeding and genome-engineering of our most important crops, where recombination can be limiting. Finally, mapping hotspots will allow us to better understand patterns of natural genetic diversity, including detecting the signatures of selection.
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: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences evolutionary biology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics heredity
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics chromosomes
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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-COG - Consolidator 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-2015-CoG
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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.
CB2 1TN Cambridge
United Kingdom
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.