Objective
The ubiquitous Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (Smc) proteins play essential roles in chromosome condensation, segregation, DNA recombination and repair, and gene regulation. The mechanisms by which they carry out such processes are unknown. Errors in Smc function can have catastrophic consequences, and can cause the molecular defects behind human genetic diseases such as trisomies and malignant tumour development. Segregation defects during meiosis are also the cause of approximately one third of spontaneous foetal abortions and are thus a major cause of infertility in humans.
This project aims to resolve the molecular architecture of Smc complexes, and determine their mechanism of function. Using the high-resolution method of X-ray crystallography we will resolve how an essential proteins called kleisin interact with Smc proteins to produce a functional complex that associates with the DNA. Using a novel second approach, direct visualisation of the Smc/kleisin complex interacting with DNA by cryo-electron microscopy will reveal the mechanism by which the conserved family of Smc and kleisin proteins exert their topological functions on chromosomes.
This research will significantly impact on the understanding of fundamental processes of chromosome maintenance and will have critical implications in the identification of factors contributing to the development of cancer and human infertility. The results from this research will eventually assist in the development of new therapies for treating major genetic defects. This research will foster scientific collaboration between the EU and Australia. In a mutually beneficial research co-operation, the Host (MRC-LMB, Cambridge, UK) is able to provide unique training opportunities (particularly in the field of structural biology) and career development for the Fellow carrying out this research, which will assist the Fellow in pursuing a career investigating the function of fundamental protein machineries.
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 earth and related environmental sciences geology mineralogy crystallography
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics chromosomes
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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.
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.
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.
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-7
See other projects for this call
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.
IIF - Marie Curie actions-Incoming International Fellowships
Coordinator
LONDON
United Kingdom
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.