Project description
Exploring germline defence mechanisms in Caenorhabditis species
Transposable elements (TEs) often target the germline of organisms. In response, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in organisms defend against TEs to maintain germline integrity. Despite their significance, little is known about the mechanism organisms use to suppress TEs. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the TEvsRNA project aims to investigate the case of the nematode Caenorhabditis plicata – a unique species that lost its piRNA pathway and instead relies on novel small RNA (sRNA) classes to silence TEs. First, it will study the sRNA pathway at molecular level to determine its evolutionary origins compared to other Caenorhabditis species. It will also develop an experimental model to study foreign TE invasions in nematodes and examine the resulting impact on genome architecture.
Objective
The germline is the only immortal lineage in animals, making it a target for transposable elements (TEs) to perpetuate themselves at the host's expense. To counter these threats, animals utilize Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) to suppress TEs and maintain germline integrity. Despite the crucial role of piRNAs, the diversity of mechanisms organisms use to repress parasitic elements remains largely unexplored. To address this, I propose studying an emerging model system, the nematode Caenorhabditis plicata; one of the few Caenorhabditis species that lost the piRNA pathway. Notably, our preliminary results indicate that C. plicata employs novel small RNA (sRNA) classes to silence TEs. My first aim is to dissect the molecular basis of this sRNA pathway and elucidate its evolutionary origins. To do so, I will screen for the underlying molecular component controlling this pathway; firstly by targeting homologs of proteins involved in C. elegans sRNA silencing, and secondly, via EMS mutagenesis to identify mutations that suppress silencing of transgenic reporters. I will then investigate whether the novel sRNA populations are ancestral or a recent innovation by examining independent piRNA loss events across different Caenorhabditis species. Motivated by the natural loss of piRNAs and the widespread transfer of TEs between species, my second aim is to develop an experimental model to study foreign TE invasions in nematodes through heterologous insertions of TEs into mutant worms that are unable to defend against these elements. I will then examine the subsequent impact on genome architecture and explore whether they contribute to genome size expansion. This comprehensive approach will not only teach us how animals protect their germline but also deepen understanding of how biological novelty can arise from the ancient evolutionary arms race between invasive elements and silencing pathways.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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1030 WIEN
Austria
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