Project description
The role of heterochromatin in sex ratio distortion
During spermatogenesis, chromosomes segregate to generate haploid sperm cells suitable for reproduction. However, there are instances where genetic elements usually located on the X chromosome cause the preferential production of sperm carrying the X chromosome, leading to a female-biased sex ratio in the offspring. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the HetY project aims to investigate this sex-ratio (SR) meiotic drive system further in Drosophila simulans where Y chromosome missegregation is triggered by faulty heterochromatin regulation. Researchers will identify the molecular targets of the X-linked drivers and explore why some Y chromosomes resist distortion. Project findings will shed light on how heterochromatin dynamics influence both genome stability and reproductive outcomes.
Objective
Spermatogenesis is a crucial and intricate biological process for species continuity. The sex ratio (SR) meiotic drive system, prevalent in many organisms, skews offspring sex ratios by manipulating sex chromosome inheritance during meiosis. While the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive, recent studies suggest that heterochromatin regulation may hold a central role in most SR systems. The HetY project aims to uncover the role of heterochromatin regulation in spermatogenesis by exploiting a natural meiotic perturbation : the Paris SR system in Drosophila simulans. This system is characterized by sister chromatid nondisjunction of Y chromosomes during meiosis II, induced by two X-linked drivers, including a malfunctioning Y-linked heterochromatin protein. We hypothesize that misregulation of Y heterochromatin is responsible for this nondisjunction. Our first objective is to identify the target(s) of the X-linked driver, using advanced CUT&Tag techniques. Some Y chromosomes resist to drive, potentially due to their intrinsic ability to evade perturbations of their heterochromatin landscape. Our second objective is to characterize those perturbations, through a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis to pinpoint extensive changes in heterochromatin landscapes. Recent findings indicate that the resistant ability of Y chromosomes correlates with their simple satellite repeat composition, and studies suggest that simple satellite expression is essential for male fertility. Our third objective is to probe the role of simple satellite RNA in chromatin organization and spermatogenesis. To this end, we will design shRNA against simple satellites identified in our previous study, assessing their influence on the sex ratio phenotype and potential induction of morphological defects during spermatogenesis. Our analyses will illuminate the interplay between heterochromatin regulation and spermatogenesis, offering new insights into these essential biological processes.
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.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics heredity
- 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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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.
Funding Scheme
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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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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75794 PARIS
France
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