Objective
I propose to unravel parts of the mechanochemistry of two key genome transactions: replication and transcription using an array of single-molecule techniques. To this end, I propose to study the minimal genomic machinery of mitochondria. Mitochondria are organelles in eukaryotic cells that contain their own DNA (mtDNA). Significant understanding of the biochemistry of DNA transactions in mitochondria is obtained from the in vitro reconstitution of mitochondrial replication and transcription. However, elucidating the physics of these molecular mechanisms has only just started. A major challenge of the coming decades will be dissecting and quantifying biological systems to such an extent that it makes predictive modeling possible. Single-molecule tools play a major role in this development. Hence, I plan within the scope of this proposal, to combine optical manipulation with powerful fluorescent techniques. This combination of single-molecule manipulation and fluorescence has much more potential than has been explored, so far. With the development of such tools complex biological systems can not only be controlled and measured but also visualized at the same time. The human mitochondrial genetic machinery is an ideal system for such an approach, because replication and transcription can be re-created in vitro with only seven proteins. Hence, this proposal represents a unique opportunity to quantitatively dissect a genetic machine that is actually accessible by biophysical tools. Finally, about 1 in 5000 humans suffers from a disease caused by mutations of in the mtDNA. The research proposed here will permit direct observation of proteins in action. Normal and dysfunctional proteins can thus be compared, permitting insight in the mechanistic basis of a disorder.
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 genetics mutation
- engineering and technology chemical engineering chemical process engineering
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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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.
ERC-2010-StG_20091118
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.
Host institution
1081 HV Amsterdam
Netherlands
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.