Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Lysine Acetylation: The Scope and Function in Gene Activation

Project description

Mechanisms of acetylation-dependent dynamic gene regulation

Transcription factors send signals to the nucleus orchestrating temporal and spatial gene activation programmes. Lysine acetyltransferases that add acetyl groups to lysine residues are important transcription cofactors, and the amount of acetylation correlates with gene expression. However, the mechanisms by which acetylation induces transcription activation are not clear. The ERC-funded ACT-SIGNAL project aims to develop a model of acetylation-dependent dynamic gene regulation via insights gained by combining CRISPR-based gene editing, quantitative proteomics and genomics. Using these tools, the team will investigate the function of lysine acetyltransferases in proteome-scale acetylation and the mechanisms by which acetylation promotes gene activation.

Objective

Transcription, the first and most crucial step in decoding the genome, is orchestrated by an extensive repertoire of transcription factors (TFs). These TFs transmit diverse signals to the nucleus, directing precise temporal and spatial gene activation programs. They employ a diverse array of transcription coactivators to impact transcription, including lysine acetyltransferases (KATs), an evolutionarily conserved group of coactivators found in all eukaryotes. Lysine acetylation serves as a hallmark of active promoters and enhancers, with the level of acetylation correlating with gene expression. Despite a strong correlation between acetylation and gene activation, the causal role of acetylation in transcription activation remains debated. Our recent research has revealed that inhibiting the catalytic activity of CBP/p300 acetyltransferase halts the transcription of numerous genes without impacting DNA accessibility or TF binding. A fundamental question that remains unanswered is whether acetylation is directly involved in gene activation, what the nature of acetylation sites involved is, and what are the underlying mechanisms by which acetylation regulates transcription activation. In ACT-SIGNAL, we will take an integrated approach, combining CRISPR-based gene editing, quantitative proteomics, and genomics to investigate the function of lysine acetyltransferases in proteome-scale acetylation and explore the mechanisms by which acetylation promotes gene activation. Ultimately, ACT-SIGNAL aims to establish an integrated model for acetylation-dependent dynamic gene regulation. This endeavor has the potential to provide a major conceptual advance in our understanding of how transcription factors and acetyltransferases collaborate to promote transcription activation the crucial first step in genetic information decoding.

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.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

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.

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.

HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2023-ADG

See all projects funded under this call

Host institution

KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 2 500 000,00
Address
NORREGADE 10
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark

See on map

Region
Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 2 500 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)

My booklet 0 0