Project description
The molecular mechanics of how RNA interference fights viral infections
RNA interference (RNAi) is a key antiviral defense mechanism used by cells to detect and silence viral genetic material. However, the detailed mechanism of this process remains unclear. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the VirAgo project will investigate the RNAi process using the C. elegans and Orsay virus model. To understand the precise implication of RNAi in the antiviral immune response, the researchers will explore how RNAi proteins interact with the virus and if their absence boosts immune responses. The project will also identify the makeup of virus-specific RNAi complexes and uncover how RNAi prevents viruses from spreading.
Objective
Viruses infect all known living organisms, and the RNA interference (RNAi) response is one of the main defense mechanisms cells use against viruses. Even though we have a general understanding of the players involved in the antiviral RNAi response, with some systems more characterized than others, we still lack mechanistic details about the process. For example, in the C. elegans-Orsay virus pathosystem, loss of certain RNAi proteins can be advantageous for the virus, but it is still unclear whether this is because the virus highjacks the RNAi machinery for its own advantage or because the absence of certain RNAi proteins frees up resources which can then be used for antiviral defense. Moreover, preliminary results show that there are distinct viral RNAi silencing complexes, but the composition and function of these complexes is still unknown. Finally, the RNAi response seems to prevent multicellular viral colonization through yet unidentified mechanisms. In this proposal we aim to address these three open questions to improve our understanding of the role of RNAi in the defense response to a viral infection. We will perform a comprehensive analysis of the antiviral RNAi pathway and the Argonautes – the main effectors of the RNAi pathway –, their interactors and targets upon Orsay virus infection. We will use a multidisciplinary approach, combining in-depth analyses from virology, cell biology, genetics, genomics and developmental biology. This will be possible due to the collaboration between the researcher and the laboratories of Prof. Elena, the coordinator and virology expert, and Prof. Claycomb, the outgoing phase host and cell biology and small RNA regulation expert. The expertise the researcher will obtain goes beyond the research in either laboratory and will help her crystalize the unique research profile necessary to take her career to the next level of independence.
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 microbiology virology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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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-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global 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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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.
28006 Madrid
Spain
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