Objective Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) form macromolecular assemblies in the nuclear envelope and mediate bidirectional cargo movement between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Recent evidence suggests that NPCs are not merely transport channels but act as gene regulators. Studies in yeast demonstrate that inducible genes can reposition from the nuclear interior to the nuclear periphery upon activation. At the periphery activated genes engage in physical contacts with nuclear pores. Targeting and tethering of genes to nuclear pores involves multifunctional adaptor complexes, which are thought to couple chromatin modification, transcription and mRNA export. Knowledge of the structure, dynamics and evolution of these adaptor complexes is key to understanding how NPCs control nuclear gene positioning and gene expression. I propose to systematically dissect the architecture and function of NPC-associated adaptor complexes. Our studies will be a unique combination of biochemical and structural approaches in three different model organisms. I anticipate, that this line of research will create a powerful basis to address a number of key questions in the field. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomes Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-LS1 - ERC Starting Grant - Molecular and Structural Biology and Biochemistry Call for proposal ERC-2011-StG_20101109 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Coordinator MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN Address Spitalgasse 23 1090 Wien Austria See on map Region Ostösterreich Wien Wien Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Alwin Köhler (Dr.) Administrative Contact Alwin Köhler (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution € 1 481 556,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN Austria EU contribution € 1 481 556,00 Address Spitalgasse 23 1090 Wien See on map Region Ostösterreich Wien Wien Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Alwin Köhler (Dr.) Administrative Contact Alwin Köhler (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window
