Project description
Cracking the code of complex traits
Despite sharing much of their genetic makeup, individuals within the same species often display striking differences in their traits. Although modern genomics has uncovered thousands of genetic variants linked to this phenotypic diversity, a substantial portion of this variation still cannot be accounted for. The ERC-funded UnMiss project seeks to uncover the hidden sources of this 'missing heritability'. Using yeast as a model organism, researchers aim to build a massive atlas of genetic variants and traits from over 1 000 natural strains. They will also combine genome sequencing, gene expression and single-cell analyses and explore how rare genetic changes, environmental factors and random variations interact to shape complex traits. The project’s findings could transform how scientists predict genetic outcomes.
Objective
"Understanding the genetic causes of phenotypic diversity in natural populations is a major challenge. While advances have been made in identifying the genetic basis of complex traits, our knowledge remains incomplete. Whole-genome sequencing has enabled genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to link genetic variants to traits, including human diseases. However, even with thousands of causal variants identified, they often account for only a small fraction of phenotypic variation. Uncovering the sources of this ""missing heritability"" is essential for predicting complex traits from genome sequences. The sources of missing heritability are largely unknown but may include: (i) incomplete variant catalogs focusing on single nucleotide variants (SNVs) while neglecting structural variants (SVs), (ii) limited power to detect rare variants in GWAS, (iii) difficulties in accounting for environmental effects and stochastic phenotypic variation, and (iv) complex gene-by-gene and gene-by-environment interactions. The UnMiss project aims to address these gaps using yeast as a model organism, allowing for systematic exploration of missing heritability. By developing a genetic variant atlas and a phenotype panel from 1,011 natural yeast isolates, we will examine how different variants contribute to trait heritability. Comparative GWAS analyses of these isolates and a panel of 1,000 hybrids will help clarify the role of low-frequency and rare variants. Gene expression data across conditions and single-cell analyses will further explore the genetic basis of environmental and stochastic trait variation. By deeply phenotyping the same population, we ensure that all traits are analyzed in the same individuals, allowing for the integration of data across different trait types. This comprehensive approach sets the foundation for large-scale network integration and mediation analyses, aiming to uncover hidden patterns that can facilitate the prediction of complex traits."
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.
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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)
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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.
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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
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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.
48160 DERIO VIZCAYA
Spain
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