New EU training network to study gene regulation
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory and partners have launched a new EU-funded project which will look into a phenomenon known as 'chromatin plasticity', while providing training opportunities to young researchers from a range of fields. In our cells, the long molecules of DNA that contain our genetic information are wrapped around proteins to form a complex structure called chromatin. 'Chromatin plasticity' refers to the way in which the structure of the chromatin changes throughout the life cycle of the cell. As chromatin structure plays a key role in regulating our genes, studying it could aid understanding of biological processes and diseases, including ageing and cancer. The Chromatin Plasticity project is funded to the tune of €3.7 million under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). As a Marie Curie Research Training Network, the project will include a strong emphasis on training young researchers through exchanges, practical courses and site visits to other project partners' labs. On the research front, the partners aim to uncover the processes regulating chromatin structure. By combining tools and approaches from a range of disciplines, including structural biology, bioinformatics, genetics, immunology and drug design, the team hopes to develop a deeper understanding of chromatin plasticity, and ultimately identify potential drug targets. The network comprises 13 partners from nine countries. The project will run for four years.