Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Cross-evolutionary dissection of the functional plasticity of the ribosomal epitranscriptome

Project description

Unveiling the functional role of ribosomal RNA modifications

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is an integral component of ribosomes where protein synthesis takes place. Emerging evidence indicates the existence of epigenetic modifications on rRNA which vary in different cells or under different environmental conditions. This suggests that the regulation of ribosome properties may take place through rRNA modifications and reflect adaptation to a new environment, stress or a pathological state. The key objective of the EU-funded EpiRibo project is to profile rRNA modifications in different cell types and shed light on their regulation through evolution. Moreover, through gain- and loss-of-function approaches, scientists will unveil the functions of ribosomes resulting from RNA modifications.

Objective

A remarkable diversity of post-transcriptional modifications adorn the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) throughout all domains of life. While initially conceptualized as a constitutive component of the ribosome, recent evidence demonstrates that some modifications are only present on a fraction of cellular ribosomes, and our lab recently revealed unprecedented environmentally-mediated dynamics of an rRNA modification. This suggests that some rRNA modification may serve as a tunable layer for regulation of ribosome properties, facilitating adaptation to a new environment, stress or pathological state. Here we aim to systematically explore the extent to which rRNA modifications are tunable across evolution and highly diverse growth conditions, and to understand the consequences thereof. We seek to understand which rRNA modifications are subject to regulation, to uncover the contexts in which such regulation occurs, and to unravel the underlying mechanisms. Dissecting these questions requires an approach allowing systematic measurement of diverse rRNA modifications. We propose to establish a streamlined workflow, allowing multiplexed, precise, robust and cost-efficient systematic profiling of 19 distinct rRNA modifications in dozens of samples in a single experiment (Aim 1). In Aim 2, we will systematically measure rRNA modifications across the three domains of life, focusing on species that can thrive across two widely different physical/chemical gradients, where the potential for tunable rRNA modifications is particularly high. In Aim 3, we will combine gain- and loss-of-function approaches to systematically explore the functions RNA modifications can bestow on ribosomes. Collectively, EpiRibo addresses a fundamental open question regarding the extent of plasticity and regulatory potential present within the ribosome itself and encoded via its epitranscriptome, setting the stage for investigations in other RNA species, and in more complex and disease-related contexts.

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.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

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.

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.

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.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

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

(opens in new window) ERC-2020-COG

See all projects funded under this call

Host institution

WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 2 000 000,00
Address
HERZL STREET 234
7610001 Rehovot
Israel

See on map

Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 2 000 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)

My booklet 0 0