Project description
The secrets of sRNA loading and movement in plants
Small RNAs (sRNA) are pivotal regulators of gene expression in eukaryotic organisms, governing crucial processes from development to genome integrity. In plants, these sRNAs, divided into small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), require ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins for precise gene targeting. However, the intricacies of how sRNA loads into AGO1 and its impact on intra- and inter-cellular movement remain shrouded in mystery. With the support of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the LoAGOding project combines cutting-edge techniques such as deep-sequencing analysis, super-resolution microscopy, and RNA biochemistry to unravel these enigmas. By understanding sRNA loading mechanisms and movement pathways, this project aims to revolutionise crop productivity, enhance stress tolerance, and ultimately advance European excellence in this field.
Objective
Small RNAs (sRNA) are essential regulators of gene expression, controlling development and preserving genome integrity, all across eukaryotic organisms. To execute their final functions, sRNA are loaded into an ARGONAUTE (AGO) protein to guide through sequence complementarity the regulation of target genes. In plants, sRNAs are divided into small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), and both can be loaded into AGO1 for cell-autonomous action, or move out of the cell to act non-cell autonomously. This proposal outlines a series of complementary experiments to mechanistically study the loading of sRNA into AGO1 and to understand how it contributes to the intra- and inter-cellular movement of sRNA in plants. By combining cell biology, RNA biochemistry, deep-sequencing analysis, nuclear fractionation methods, micrografting and super-resolution microscopy, this project aims at: i) characterize the nuclear and cytoplasmic sRNA loading complexes (LCs), ii) decipher the connection between sRNA biogenesis and LCs and, iii) determine how sRNA loading could affect the sRNA movement. The results obtained will advance the state of the art in plants in our understanding of AGO1 loading mechanism, the execution of the AGO1 function and sRNA movement. Studying these pathways goes beyond mere mechanistic knowledge, as sRNA movement is being exploited to modulate plant and pathogen gene expression towards improving crop productivity and enhancing stress/pathogen tolerance, a booming strategy known as Spray-induced gene silencing. Altogether, this project is expected to create a wealth of original information, providing a meaningful contribution to European excellence and competitiveness in the field.
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 physical sciences optics microscopy super resolution microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- social sciences economics and business economics production economics productivity
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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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)
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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-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.
08193 CERDANYOLA DEL VALLES
Spain
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.