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)
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 genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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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-2026-STG
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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.
612 65 Brno
Czechia
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.