Objective
Genome editing has triggered a revolution with stark implications in life science. Recently, a new gene-editing technique CRISPR-Cas has become dominant in laboratory conditions. The first step in a targeted genome modification requires the CRISPR-Cas nuclease to generate a specific DNA double-strand break (DSB). Eukaryotic cells repair the DSBs by the fast but potentially mutagenic Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ), and by the accurate Homology Directed Repair (HDR) pathways. Gene editing techniques exploit the HDR to modify the DNA to the desired sequence.
Usually, it is the NHEJ that repairs the DSBs. That presents a threat of introducing mutations and limits gene editing efficiency and use in medical applications. Moreover, even after entering the HDR pathway, an unclear mechanism involving protein 53BP1 and Shieldin complex blocks the pathway from progressing. My goal is to decipher the 53BP1-Shieldin induced block and then assess Shieldin pathway as a possible therapeutic target to increase the frequency of HDR after CRISPR-Cas cleavage.
The objectives include:
1. Reconstitution of the Shieldin pathway in mammalian HEK293 and insect Hi5 cells
2. Structural characterization of the protein assembly at DSBs by electron microscopy and mass spectrometry
3. Biochemical analysis of the relation between DSB repair and Shieldin pathway
In general, the findings can be applied to enhance any gene-editing technique involving a generation of DSBs. Importantly, the results will provide a base for a long-awaited revolution in personalized medicine. The host laboratory of Prof. Montoya already focuses on improving the properties of the Cas nucleases by means of structural biology and the Shieldin project fits right in their research portfolio. Developing the project will boost my career as new skills in structural biology, including protein electron microscopy, will complement my previous expertise in protein-protein interaction and crosslinking mass spectrometry studies.
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.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology entomology
- 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)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01
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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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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.