Project description
Exploring how ancient DNA shapes modern humans
Modern humans still carry DNA from extinct human relatives like the Neanderthals. This ancient genetic material is believed to influence traits such as immunity and disease risk, but we still do not fully understand how. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ARCH-3D project will build the first 3D models of Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes to explore how their DNA is organised. Researchers will combine evolutionary genetics with cutting-edge computational tools to compare these archaic genome models with modern genomes. Project findings will shed light on how archaic NDA influences current gene activity and potentially unravels new targets for medicine.
Objective
Most people alive today carry genetic material inherited from ancient hominins like Neanderthals or Denisovans. This introgression has shaped traits such as immunity, skin pigmentation, and disease susceptibility, yet the precise genetic mechanisms behind these influences remain unclear. Understanding how this archaic DNA continues to affect modern human biology could unlock new insights into both human uniqueness and diversity. While advances have been made in understanding the 3D structure of the genome and how genes are regulated spatially, the role of archaic DNA in these processes remains not fully understood. ARCH-3D aims to address this by constructing the first 3D models of Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes, offering a groundbreaking view of their spatial organisation. By comparing these models to modern human genomes, ARCH-3D will explore how introgressed regions influence gene regulation and contribute to human diversity. These regions may also reveal new targets for drug development, providing a practical application of the findings. Based at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research (MIAR) at the University of Cambridge, ARCH-3D will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Guy Jacobs, an expert in human population genetics and archaic introgression. MIAR’s interdisciplinary environment, with its focus on human evolutionary genetics and archaeology, will provide invaluable resources for the computational analysis and interpretation of results in an evolutionary context. Dr. Wlasnowolski will also receive comprehensive training in cutting-edge computational techniques and interdisciplinary research, enhancing his academic career prospects. This experience will prepare him for roles in industries such as drug development, where understanding genetic mechanisms is essential, ultimately strengthening the impact of European science and industries like AstraZeneca, will advance European excellence and competitiveness in the field.
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
- humanities history and archaeology archaeology ethnoarchaeology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
- social sciences sociology anthropology physical anthropology
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
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.