Project description
Transgenerational inheritance of small RNA molecules
Recent evidence challenges the concept that genetic material is the sole basis of biological inheritance. In addition to DNA, other molecules can also be passed down through generations, but the precise mechanism is unknown. The EU-funded RNAiNHERITANCE project focuses on the inheritance of small RNA molecules which have a known role in gene regulation. Researchers will use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism to study how small RNA molecules are transmitted from somatic cells to the germline and therefore to the next generation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the epigenetic inheritance of developmental processes.
Objective
Inherited information is transmitted to progeny primarily via the genome through the gametes. In recent years, epigenetic inheritance has been demonstrated in several organisms, including animals. Yet, the molecules and mechanisms responsible for this type of inheritance are incompletely understood. Histone modifications, DNA methylation, and small RNAs have been proposed to participate in epigenetic inheritance. Indeed, we recently showed how the inheritance of a specific type of small RNA impairs animals fertility. Diverse phenotypes, such as immune responses and learned behaviour, were also recently found to be controlled by heritable small RNAs. Despite these important roles for small RNAs in trait inheritance, their mechanism of action and how they are transmitted from tissues and gametes to the next generation remain unknown. The overall objective of this proposal is to discover novel factors and mechanisms that underlie epigenetic inheritance in animals. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an ideal model system to study epigenetic inheritance, because of its short life cycle and the ability to minimize the effect of genetic variations. We will achieve our objective by applying genetic, genomic and biochemical tools to C. elegans, coupled with sophisticated sorting strategies developed in our laboratory. These approaches uniquely allow us to comprehensively evaluate small RNA inheritance in specific stages of development, tissues and organelles. Specifically, we will 1) elucidate how small RNAs and histone modifications regulate the inheritance of developmental programs, 2) decipher the mechanisms of small antisense RNA biogenesis and inheritance, and 3) discover the principles of soma-to-germline RNA transfer and its biological functions. Achieving our objective could radically change concepts of inheritance, and transform our understanding of the molecular pathways and mechanisms that govern epigenetic inheritance in animals.
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.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
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.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
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-2020-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.
75724 Paris
France
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.