Objective
The debate of how life has evolved and which biomolecules (DNA, RNA and/or proteins) came first is still ongoing. What is clear is that
RNA and proteins must have closely co-evolved, considering their essential interactions in the cell e.g. in the ribosome, an ancient
protein-RNA complex indispensable for protein production in all cells. The ribosome catalyses two key reactions: aminolysis, where
peptide bonds are formed, and peptidyl hydrolysis, where the complete protein is released after translation. Both reactions occur at
the peptidyl-transferase centre, the active site composed of RNA. On the other hand, an enormous variety of reactions are catalysed
by the enzymatic activity of peptides and proteins. Given their evolutionary co-occurrence, it is likely that the catalytic capabilities of
proteins and RNA originally co-evolved. Importantly, proteins and RNA can form phase-separated condensates (PSCs), membraneless
organelles that perform key functions in present-day cells. As PSCs form spontaneously, this raises the possibility that they were
functional in the primordial soup as well. This idea is especially compelling because PSCs can, due to increased molecular
concentrations, enhance catalytic capacity. In PhaseCat, we address how such protein-RNA catalytic reactions may have evolved in
PSCs, especially in the context of primordial translation, and how they could be exploited for industrially relevant reactions. The
combination of fundamental and applied research forms an ideal training ground for doctoral students, who will be trained to
understand protein-RNA interactions leading to phase separation, a central biological mechanism with exploitation potential.
PhaseCat integrates high-throughput screening of PSCs through microfluidics combined with Raman spectroscopy, analysis of
biological catalysis by proteins/RNA and its application in green chemistry, and computational methods to tie together all
components, predict properties and inform experiment.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computational science
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks
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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-DN-01
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.
1050 Bruxelles / Brussel
Belgium
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.