Objective
Chromatin modifications such as histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. However, our knowledge of the direct mechanisms by which they operate is still limited. Current genomic methods often struggle to establish clear causative relationships between epigenetic marks and transcriptional activity. Our goal is to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the functions of chromatin modifications. Specifically, we ask how histone PTMs influence gene expression, how they orchestrate chromatin-protein interactions, and how they are maintained across cell divisions.
To address these fundamental questions, we propose an innovative chemical biology approach, which involves introducing “designer chromatin” — reconstituted chromatin with chemically defined modifications — directly into cells. This pioneering strategy will allow us to create controlled epigenetic landscapes within living cells, enabling the study of the functional roles of epigenetic modifications.
Our research program is divided into four objectives: 1. Establish a reliable platform for introducing designer chromatin into cells using optimized delivery methods, ensuring its functionality and stable integration within the native nuclear environment. 2. Investigate the effects of individual and combined PTMs on gene expression and develop a mechanistic understanding of such effects. 3. Map time-dependent interactions of histone PTMs with nuclear proteins using quantitative proteomics. 4. Elucidate the mechanisms of epigenetic maintenance by tracking histone PTMs through cell divisions in conjunction with genetic screens.
By harnessing the unparalleled precision of chemical biology to engineer epigenetic landscapes in cells, alongside advanced genetics and proteomics experiments, this project will address fundamental questions at the heart of epigenetic gene regulation and maintenance, ultimately providing new insights into the principles of chromatin biology.
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.
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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.
32000 Haifa
Israel
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.