Objective
Telomeres protect chromosome ends from being mistaken for DNA damage. This task is orchestrated by the shelterin complex. Dysfunction of shelterin leads to genome instability and is implicated in cancer, premature ageing syndromes, and other telomere biology disorders. However, the structural organization of shelterin on its native chromatin substrate remains poorly understood. This limits our ability to link molecular architecture to biological function and disease. The FUNFACTs project addresses this gap by integrating advanced structural biology, chromatin biochemistry, and cell biology to reveal how shelterin binds, organizes, and protects telomeric chromatin.
First, I will generate high-quality native and recombinant shelterin-chromatin assemblies and establish scalable protocols for their production (WP1). Second, I will obtain high-resolution structures using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), complemented by single-molecule fluorescence assays to determine whether shelterin remodels telomeric chromatin and how such changes contribute to protection (WP2). Finally, I will perform targeted mutagenesis, quantitative cellular assays, and detailed biochemical analyses to functionally validate structural models and clarify the mechanistic role of shelterin (WP3).
This interdisciplinary strategy will deliver conceptual breakthroughs in chromosome end protection as well as broadly applicable methodologies. It will include protocols for multicomponent chromatin assembly, which is relevant to various genome processes. In line with the MSCA PF Work Programme, the project is expected to have a significant impact on my career, as it will provide top-level scientific training, foster international collaboration, and develop transferable skills. This will prepare me for a future research group leader position while generating knowledge with clear potential for impact in biomedical research and innovation.
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 cell biology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics chromosomes
- natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology structural biology
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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)
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.