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Integrated approaches to study gene regulation during cellular differentiation

Objective

Cellular differentiation from stem cells to fully functional mature cells is a multi step process executed by complex transcription programs. Once differentiated, cells must faithfully maintain their identity through cellular memory mechanisms. The utilisation of genetic information stored in linear DNA sequence occurs within the three dimensional context of chromatin, chromosomes and the nucleus, all of which contribute to gene regulation mechanisms. The main aim of this ITN is to get a comprehensive view on the mechanisms controling gene expression during cell differentiation by integrating studies on multiple regulatory levels from DNA binding transcription factors through to nuclear organization. We will take a multi-faceted approach addressing the functions of: (i) transcription factors and their co-factors (ii) chromatin domains and histone variants, (iii) epigenetic mechanisms of cellular memory and identity, (iv) global gene interactions in nuclear space and (iv) nuclear territories of gene activity. Genomics approaches will be employed to describe global changes in gene target networks and gene interactions in the nucleus during ES cell differentiation into the hepatic, neuronal and hematopoietic lineages. Proteomics will be employed for the characterization of transcription factor and epigenetic modifying complexes and of the in vivo protein composition of specialized chromatin domains. The research activities of this ITN are organized in the context of a multidisciplinary Training Program, which provides unique opportunities for the training of early stage researchers to address fundamental biological questions with far reaching implications in biotechnology and human health.

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2007-1-1-ITN
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Coordinator

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH CENTER ALEXANDER FLEMING
Address
Fleming Street 34
16672 Vari-athens
Greece

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Activity type
Research Organisations
Administrative Contact
John Strouboulis (Dr.)
EU contribution
€ 712 929,95

Participants (7)

IDRYMA IATROVIOLOGIKON EREUNON AKADEMIAS ATHINON
Greece
EU contribution
€ 161 483,30
Address
Soranou Efesiou 4
115 27 Athina

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Activity type
Research Organisations
Administrative Contact
Dimitris Thanos (Prof.)
KONINKLIJKE NEDERLANDSE AKADEMIE VAN WETENSCHAPPEN - KNAW
Netherlands
EU contribution
€ 204 047,79
Address
Kloveniersburgwal 29 Het Trippenhuis
1011 JV Amsterdam

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Activity type
Other
Administrative Contact
Don Van Velzen (Mr.)
LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
Germany
EU contribution
€ 205 009,20
Address
Geschwister Scholl Platz 1
80539 Muenchen

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Administrative Contact
Axel Imhof (Prof.)
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
United Kingdom
EU contribution
€ 214 480,19
Address
20 Park Crescent
W1B 1AL London

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Activity type
Public bodies (excluding Research Organisations and Secondary or Higher Education Establishments)
Administrative Contact
Ana Pombo (Dr.)
THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
United Kingdom
EU contribution
€ 212 830,19
Address
Wellington Square University Offices
OX1 2JD Oxford

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Administrative Contact
Philippa Kraftl (Ms.)
FONDAZIONE TELETHON ETS
Italy
EU contribution
€ 381 339,19
Address
Via Varese 16/b
00185 Roma

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Activity type
Research Organisations
Administrative Contact
Valerio Orlando (Dr.)
Source Bioscience plc
United Kingdom
EU contribution
€ 207 880,19
Address
Orchard Place, Business Park 1
NG8 6PX Nottingham

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Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Administrative Contact
Robert Bakewell (Mr.)