Project description
Characterising the role of non-paralogous gene-gene loops
Recent research into 3D genome architecture reveals that specific genes physically interact across large genomic distances. However, it remains unclear whether these interactions coordinate activity across multiple genes. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BRIDGE project aims to investigate how physical interactions between distant, non-paralogous genes (gene-gene loops) influence transcriptional programmes and whether they occur exclusively in neurons. To do so, it will study long-range, pairwise gene contacts in fly neurons and other cell types, testing whether they coordinate gene transcription and function. The findings could uncover new disease mechanisms in mammals and explain how genome structures regulate multiple genes, leading to the discovery of advanced gene therapies.
Objective
Gene transcription is tightly controlled by regulatory elements in the genome. While most act locally, distant regulatory elements are increasingly recognized as key contributors to gene control, revising our fundamental understanding of how regulatory interactions are organized in genomes. Recent three-dimensional (3D) genome folding studies showed that some genes form specific, long-range physical contacts with other gene loci. However, whether such contacts coordinate multi-gene activity remains unknown.
My BRIDGE (Biological Regulation of Interacting Distant GEnes) project investigates ultra-long-range, pairwise gene contacts recently discovered in fly neurons. These gene pairs are not known to function together but engage in highly specific and conserved contacts. Using the simplicity of these contacts and their suitability for in vivo manipulation, this project will test whether these distant gene contacts coordinate gene transcription and function in neurons and other cell types.
Through genome engineering, chromatin imaging, genomics and genetic assays, I will disrupt or rewire these contacts (WP1-3) and analyze their biological impact. WP4 will explore whether these contacts extend beyond neurons by comparing 3D genome organization across four differentiated cell types from all germ layers.
BRIDGE will determine whether long-range gene tethering is a neuron-specific or broader regulatory mechanism. It may also uncover novel functional synergies between mammalian disease-relevant homologs of the studied genes. More broadly, BRIDGE will deepen our understanding of how genome organization enables multi-gene regulation, with long-term implications for developing gene therapies targeting gene networks. It will also provide interdisciplinary training and career development to support my transition to independent research at the interface of 3D genomics and gene regulation.
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.
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
1015 LAUSANNE
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.