Objective
Post-translational modifications of histones including acetylation and methylation, serve as signals for various cellular processes, such as, transcription, DNA repair, and cell signalling. Histone phosphorylation has recently been connected to programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis, in both mammals and yeast.
Specifically, phosphorylation of serine 10 within histone H2B in the yeast S. cerevisiae has been linked to chromatin compaction during the late stages of apoptosis. Phosphorylation of this am ino acid residue is catalyzed by the yeast kinase Ste20. However, it still remains unknown how the activity of Ste20 towards H2B is controlled.
Interestingly, Ste20 has been shown to interact with the yeast 14-3-3 proteins, bmh1 and bmh2, which play a role in the regulation of histone phosphorylation. Based on these findings and the fact that mammalian 14-3-3 proteins are implicated in the apoptotic process, we hypothesize that the bmh proteins are involved in cell death by associating with phosphorylated histones.
The experiments outlined in this proposal are aimed to determine; 1) whether the bmh proteins have an apoptotic function in yeast, 2) whether the bmh proteins regulate the activity of Ste20, 3) whether the bmh proteins bind specifically to phosphorylated H2B-Ser10, and 4) whether induction of apoptosis affects the localization of bmh proteins.
These experiments should provide a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the apoptotic process. It is critical to understand these mechanisms because a defect in the apoptotic pathway can often lead to human proliferative diseases such as cancer.
Additionally, these studies will provide me with the opportunity to explore and learn to use yeast as an experimental model system. Most importantly, I will be exposed to new molecular approaches that will complement my existing scientific knowledge and thus, allow me to address crucial biological questions concerning chromatin structure in cells.
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 cell biology cell signaling
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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Programme(s)
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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
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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
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