Objective
The centre of the iconic X-shape of human chromosomes is the centromere. It is an extensive locus of specialised chromatin that assembles the kinetochore machinery to connect chromosomes to spindle microtubules for their correct segregation during cell division. How these centromeres obtain three-dimensional (3D) structures that coordinate assembly of kinetochores and resist substantial microtubule-based pulling forces is unknown. We discovered that vertebrate chromosomes are naturally dicentric: their centromeres are two-domain (‘bipartite’) structures, irrespective of underlying DNA sequence or position along the chromosome. Bipartite centromeres assemble bipartite kinetochores that connect to double microtubule bundles, fundamentally altering our view on chromosome-spindle interactions. Chromosome segregation errors in cancer are marked by split centromeres, linking centromere structural integrity to chromosomal instability. Our findings raise many elementary questions about the molecular origins, the 3D structure and the functional consequences of a bipartite mitotic centromere. In CENTROSHAPE, we will integrate advanced imaging and sequencing technologies with state-of-the-art cell models of neocentromeres, inducible centromeres and cancer, to uncover:
- How centromere bipartition originates and is maintained,
- What 3D chromatin structure shapes the bipartite centromere, and
- How destabilisation of bipartite centromeres predisposes to chromosomal instability and centromere damage.
The results of CENTROSHAPE will illuminate a hitherto ‘dark’ region of vertebrate mitotic chromosomes – the 3D organisation of centromeres. They will inform on the mechanisms that create this highly specialised chromatin domain in dividing cells and contribute to our understanding of the origins of chromosomal copy number alterations in diseases such as cancer.
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
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics chromosomes
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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-ADG
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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.
1011 JV AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
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.