Objective Epigenetic reprogramming is a developmental process involving both genome-wide DNA demethylation and chromatin remodelling. Under physiological conditions it occurs at distinct stages of normal embryonic development. However, under in vitro conditions induction of this process can restore pluripotency in somatic cells, and in aberrant situations a similar dedifferentiation process can initiate carcinogenesis. While the kinetics of the reprogramming that occurs in the course of normal development has been well documented, initial steps inducing this process and how DNA methylation marks are removed in vivo remain elusive. The involvement of DNA repair mechanisms in DNA demethylation during epigenetic reprogramming has been recently suggested. The presented project proposes to investigate the upstream events initiating epigenetic reprogramming by using both in vivo and in vitro approaches. We will focus on recently discovered candidates involved in 5-methylcytosine hydroxylation and will investigate a possible involvement of this modification of 5-methylcytosine in the epigenetic reprogramming during mouse development. We will also examine the potential repair enzymes able to remove this epigenetic mark in order to highlight other protein partners involved in this process. Data obtained on this pathway will not only enrich our understanding towards developmental reprogramming, but also enhance our ability to manipulate cell fate in vitro. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAnatural sciencesbiological sciencesdevelopmental biologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsepigenetics Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE Address South kensington campus exhibition road SW7 2AZ London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Tatjana Palalic (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
