Project description
Insight into the role of cohesin in disease
Cohesinopathies are a group of genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes that code for cohesin complex subunits or regulators, which are central in the proper organisation and maintenance of chromosomes during cell division as well as DNA replication and repair. However, little is known about the pathogenesis of these devastating human diseases. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CohesiNet project aims to investigate the mechanisms by which cohesin acts and shed light on the molecular basis for cohesinopathies. The project involves a team of 12 PhD students who will be trained to address these scientific questions using multi-disciplinary approaches. Project results may also be applicable to several types of cancer, given the presence of mutations in cohesin genes.
Objective
Cohesin is an evolutionarily conserved multi-protein complex that belongs to the structural maintenance of chromosomes protein family. It can topologically entrap DNA molecules mediating sister chromatid cohesion, a function important for accurate chromosome segregation and DNA replication/repair. It has been recently discovered that cohesin can generate and maintain DNA loops by an ATPase-dependent in cis DNA tethering activity, called loop-extrusion, critical for organising chromatin architecture and regulating gene transcription, and as such thought to be important for cell differentiation and development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the cohesin complex achieve these key cellular functions remain to be elucidated.
Mutations in genes coding for cohesin and its regulators lead to a class of developmental disorders collectively called “cohesinopathies” and have been found in several types of cancer. Nonetheless, the pathogenesis of these devastating human diseases is poorly understood.
CohesiNet aims to answer outstanding questions in the field of cohesin biology by a highly innovative research programme. This consortium will investigate fundamental mechanisms on how cohesin acts during chromosomal cohesion and loop extrusion, identify regulatory modules of cohesin functions and get insights into the molecular bases of cohesin-related diseases. These ambitious goals will be achieved using multi-disciplinary hypothesis-driven and exploratory approaches while promoting a culture of communication and cooperation among academic and private institutions across the European Union. A team of ten PhD students will be trained by the CohesiNet consortium to address these scientific questions and be empowered with skills that will enhance their career perspectives, while experiencing first-hand the value of Open Science and the importance of inclusion, transparency, accessibility and integrity in scientific research.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral NetworksCoordinator
00185 Roma
Italy
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Participants (7)
20139 Milano
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75794 Paris
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1067-001 LISBOA
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1030 Wien
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1105 AG Amsterdam
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
1081 HV Amsterdam
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28029 Madrid
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Partners (12)
92220 Bagneux
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
53100 Siena
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
81100 Caserta
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CB2 1TN Cambridge
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H91 Galway
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31062 Toulouse Cedex 9
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1099 085 Lisboa
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1010 Wien
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1081 HV Amsterdam
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28049 Madrid
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SN2 1FL Swindon
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EC4A 3TW London
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.