Identification of alternative splicing networks defining embryonic stem cell identity

Objective

"Adult, embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) possess the fundamental properties to self-renew while remaining pluripotent. These unique capacities are regulated by gene networks which expression is tightly controlled at the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels to insure proper stem cell fate decisions in response to developmental or environmental cues. Alterations of these networks in cancer stem cells (CSC) support their tumorigenic activity. Therefore, defining the molecular pathways that control the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency is not only important to understand normal development but could also improve the clinical potential of adult stem cells, ESCs and iPSCs, and reveal novel strategies to target CSCs.
Our objective is to identify novel mechanisms controlling the genetic programs that define the fate of ESCs. Along this line, we recently revealed a central role for alternative splicing (AS) in the regulation of the core ESC pluripotency regulatory circuitry. AS affects over 95% of multi-exon human genes and regulates gene expression by promoting transcriptome and proteome diversity. Although ESCs display a high degree of transcriptome complexity and express a large number of isoforms of unknown function, the extent and significance of AS contribution to this functional diversity remain largely unclear.

We propose to characterize molecular pathways that modulate AS programs and reshape the landscape of gene regulation which controls the pluripotency and self-renewal capacities of stem cells. More precisely, we will:
1- Identify splicing factors that control conserved AS events in mouse ESCs and support the maintenance self-renewal and pluripotency;
2- Characterize AS and gene networks coordinated by these essential factors to reshape the transcriptome of mouse ESCs;
3- Define the regulatory code underlying the in vivo regulation of ESC-specific AS networks by these splicing factors."

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.

• natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
• medical and health sciences medical biotechnology cells technologies stem cells
• medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

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.

• FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants"

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG
See other projects for this call

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.

MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)

Coordinator