Project description
Functional characterisation of protein phosphorylation
While phosphoproteomics has made it easier to quantify protein phosphorylation, characterising the functional outcomes of phosphorylation events remains a challenge. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DOMAIN-PHOS project aims to establish a high-throughput method for characterising biochemical functions of phosphorylation events. Since several protein domains recognise phosphorylation of other proteins, it will define both the binder and the phospho-substrate functions. For example, 37 human proteins comprise the phospho-binding Forkhead-Associated (FHA) domain, each with subtle differences in sequence influencing substrate choice. Therefore, the method entails green fluorescent protein-tagging of all FHA domains for use in affinity pulldowns, followed by mass spectrometry for comparative analysis of phospho-substrates. The results will be validated via large-scale reciprocal phosphopeptide pulldowns.
Objective
In recent decades, phosphoproteomics has greatly advanced our ability to quantify protein phosphorylation. However, characterizing the functional consequences of these phosphorylation events remains challenging, with only ~6% of recorded events having an associated function. This project aims to bridge this gap by developing a high-throughput method for characterizing biochemical functions of phospho-events.
The proposed approach, supported by preliminary data, leverages the fact that some protein domains recognize phosphorylation of other proteins, thereby defining the function of both the binder and the phospho-substrate. For example, 37 human proteins contain the phospho-binding Forkhead-Associated (FHA) domain, each with a slightly altered sequence influencing substrate choice. FHA proteins act in various processes, including DNA damage response and cytoskeletal movements, areas of expertise for the applicant.
The project involves GFP-tagging all human FHA domains for use in affinity pulldowns, followed by mass spectrometry for comparative analysis of phospho-substrates. For validation, we will perform large-scale reciprocal phosphopeptide pulldowns, a technique developed in the host lab. The combination of the applicant's expertise and the host lab's methodology creates a strong synergy. To understand structure-function relations, we will model interactions of shortlisted FHA:phospho-substrate pairs using AlphaFold3. Additionally, we will conduct phenome-wide association studies to find links between mutations in interaction pairs and disease states, including the functional follow-up on disease-relevant findings.
The appeal of this approach extends beyond expanding FHA domain biology, as it has the potential to generalize to other post-translational modification- (PTM-) binding domains. This method could start a field describing PTM-associated functions at scale, enabling easier causative linking of protein function, mutation, and disease.
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
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
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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)
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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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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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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.