Objective
Hox genes are present in all animals with bilateral symmetry, providing a conserved mechanism to control regional differences along the body axis. However, little is known about the sets of genes that are modulated by the Hox proteins to mould morphologically distinct structures. The aim of this proposal is to analyse how the Hox proteins impinge on regulatory networks executing cell differentiation programmes. To study such a complex biological process, I will use as an experimental system the homeotic transformation of wing cells to haltere cells by the Hox protein Ultrabithorax (Ubx) in Drosophila melanogaster. By means of hybridisations to DNA microarrays, I will compare the transcriptome of control and Ubx-expressing wing discs. The sensitivity of these experiments will be enhanced by collecting additional microarray datasets from wing and haltere discs expressing an engineered form of Ubx with a potent transcriptional activation function. The way cells respond to Ubx changes several times during imaginal disc development. By employing a sophisticated expression system in Drosophila, I will identify the transcriptional targets of Ubx at different time points during larval and pupal development. All experiments will be done in duplicates, both with in vivo -processed discs and with discs cultured in vitro in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. This will allow to distinguish between direct and indirect targets of Ubx. The biological significance of candidate targets will be verified by molecular genetic techniques and the relevant cis-regulatory regions will be retrieved by computational approaches. I will make use of this project to receive advanced training in complex genetic manipulations, whole-genome expression profiling, comparative genomics and bioinformatics. This research activity will be the foundation stone in a long-term work plan that will assist my career advancement in the field of Evolutionary Developmental 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.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences developmental biology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA transcriptomes
- 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.
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-5
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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.
Coordinator
CAMBRIDGE
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.