Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English en
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Deciphering Replication Readiness and Its Role in Genome Duplication Surveillance

Objective

Errors in DNA replication are a major driver of human disease—up to two-thirds of all cancers originate from faults in this process. While we understand how cells replicate their DNA once the process begins, we know far less about how they prepare for this critical event. How do cells determine they are ready to copy their genome, and what happens when this readiness fails?

Building on recent discoveries from my lab, I propose that before entering S phase, cells undergo a tightly regulated state of replication readiness—an inheritable condition that preconfigures accurate genome duplication across generations. My data suggest this readiness precedes the G1 phase and relies on the mother cell passing the key molecular components of replication readiness to daughter cells. This creates a form of cellular memory that ensures replication fidelity across generations. The REWIRE project will define how replication readiness is established, monitored, and re-established under stress. I hypothesize the existence of a previously unrecognized G2/M surveillance mechanism—a maternal replication readiness checkpoint—safeguarding the handover of replication competence to progeny. I will also investigate how this process is established de novo during tissue regeneration—a costly and error-prone transition that may compromise genome stability.

To this end, I will use advanced tools developed in my lab, including inducible protein degradation, CRISPR-based editing, and AI-assisted single-cell and single-molecule imaging pipelines. Using small intestinal organoids, I will cross-examine inherited and de novo replication readiness and link it to tissue-level outcomes in regeneration and disease. By uncovering how cells preconfigure genome duplication before it begins, REWIRE will redefine the logic of DNA replication control, reveal new mechanisms safeguarding genome stability, and uncover vulnerabilities that could be targeted in cancer and other replication-driven disorders.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

This project has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

(opens in new window) ERC-2026-STG

See all projects funded under this call

Host institution

BIOFYZIKALNI USTAV AKADEMIE VED CESKE REPUBLIKY
Net EU contribution
€ 1 999 875,00
Address
Kralovopolska 135
612 65 Brno
Czechia
Region
Česko Jihovýchod Jihomoravský kraj
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
€ 1 999 875,00

Beneficiaries (1)