Objective
There is a remarkable diversity of phenotypes among multicellular animals, including differences between males and females. A major driver of phenotypic variation stems from differences in gene regulation. The evolution of these regulatory mechanisms is a central, yet unresolved question in biology. Sex chromosome dosage compensation (SCDC) is an epigenetic process that equalizes sex chromosomal gene expression between males and females. EMERGE uses SCDC as a model to uncover how and why epigenetic mechanisms evolve and function across animals. We will employ a taxonomic gradient from (1) molecular studies in malaria mosquitos to (2) comparative mechanistic analyses across multiple insects, and finally to (3) a broad investigation across all animal clades. First, we will determine how a novel SCDC pathway in malaria mosquitos evolved to specifically regulate the X chromosome. To achieve this, we will use heterologous expressions, alongside in vitro biochemistry and proximity proteomics. Second, we will assess the physiological relevance of SCDC to determine why its absence is lethal in only certain contexts and species. We will test how proteome homeostasis, transcriptional noise, and critical genes influence essentiality. Third, we will explore the diversity of SCDC mechanisms across dozens of animal species with heteromorphic sex chromosomes, including unexplored phyla such as Cnidaria or Mollusca. Employing microscopy, transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenome profiling, we will study SCDC patterns, conserved and lineage-specific adaptations, as well as regulatory mechanisms. Our findings are expected to reveal general principles of how chromatin controls gene expression, responds to dosage imbalances, and evolves across the animal tree of life. By comprehensively investigating both sexes, EMERGE will at the same time shed light on the regulatory and physiological differences between males and females, a heavily overlooked aspect in research and healthcare.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology entomology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics epigenetics epigenomes
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics chromosomes
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology invertebrate zoology
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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) ERC-2025-COG
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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.
4051 Basel
Switzerland
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.