Project description
Shedding light on 3D genome mysteries
Unlocking the secrets of gene expression hinges on our ability to understand the complex interplay within the three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structures of our genome. The mechanisms underlying these 3D chromatin interactions and their influence on gene expression remain elusive. The challenge lies in a lack of tools offering temporal control over regulatory proteins and high-resolution measurement of 3D chromatin interactions. With this in mind, the ERC-funded 3D-REG project aims to develop new tools to dissect the molecular mechanisms shaping our genome during cellular differentiation at high temporal and spatial resolution.
Objective
The orchestration of precise gene expression patterns during differentiation and development is dependent on the cis-regulatory elements of the genome, which interact and communicate in three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structures. It is not well understood how these interactions are formed and influence gene expression. Our ability to identify the molecular mechanisms involved is hampered by a lack of tools that provide control over the function of regulatory proteins with high temporal precision and that measure 3D chromatin interactions at high resolution. In this project, we will overcome these hurdles by utilizing an ultra-fast optogenetic system that allows for efficient and reversible nuclear depletion of mammalian proteins upon blue light exposure. We will combine this approach with a range of high-resolution genomic tools to investigate the context-specific functions of transcription factors, co-activators, and architectural proteins throughout erythroid differentiation. Importantly, our set-up does not only allow for characterisation of acute protein depletion, but also enables us to map the molecular events triggered by restoration of regulatory proteins to the nucleus. This unique approach will therefore provide detailed insight into their molecular functions. Moreover, to get a more complete overview of the proteins involved in gene activation, we will implement a locus-specific proteomics approach that enables unbiased identification of the proteome of regulatory regions. This innovative integrated research program has strong potential to transform our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that shape the genome and drive gene activation during cellular differentiation. Furthermore, it will lead to the development of cutting-edge tools to analyse gene regulation in its 3D context at high temporal and spatial resolution.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- 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)
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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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-2023-STG
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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.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
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.