Objective
Homology-directed repair is an essential, evolutionary conserved DNA repair pathway that accurately restores genetic information lost due to double-stranded breaks. Its key step is the homology search, where the broken DNA end locates its matching sequence, typically located on a sister chromatid, to use as a repair template. Despite its significance, the biophysical mechanism of this search within the complex environment of vertebrate genomes remains debated. Emerging hypotheses propose that this search is driven by nucleoprotein filaments comprised of repair proteins bound to the broken DNA ends, that actively traverse the nuclear space to find and recognize homologous sequences. We will explore this mechanism by developing quantitative biophysical models that integrate the latest experimental insights on the 3D architecture of sister chromatids and dynamics of nucleoprotein filaments. Our specific aims are: (1) Model the homology search in 3D to understand how broken DNA sites navigate the complex nuclear environment and identify homologous sequences on intricately folded vertebrate sister chromatids. (2) Explore the microscopic mechanisms that drive the large-scale motions and efficient homology search by nucleoprotein filaments. (3) Understand the role of filament-driven homology search in the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. By integrating these complementary aims, we will build a detailed biophysical, mechanistic picture of homology search. We will calibrate our models against genomic and microscopic datasets, and test their predictions in collaborations with several experimental biology groups. This modeling will provide mechanistic insights into homology search, rigorously test long-standing hypotheses, and generate predictions to guide future experiments. The proposed research will significantly advance our understanding of this key DNA repair process and its potential roles in maintaining genome stability and meiotic recombination.
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 genetics heredity
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics chromosomes
- 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)
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-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-2024-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.
1030 WIEN
Austria
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.