Objective
The germ cell lineage gives rise to the gametes, which ensures the transmission of genetic and epigenetic information to the subsequent generation. In mice, the foundation of the germ cell lineage is based on the specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during embryonic development. Following specification, PGCs are epigenetically reprogrammed by active DNA demethylation and chromatin remodelling resetting the epigenome for acquiring totipotency. However, the underlying mechanisms of PGC reprogramming are not well understood. Recent studies point towards a role for the histone variant H3.3 as a central mediator of epigenetic reprogramming of PGCs. Most notably, the histone chaperone HIRA, which is necessary for the deposition of H3.3 into nucleosomes, is highly enriched in nascent PGCs. The proposed study aims to elucidate mechanisms of epigenetic reprogramming and its role in the establishment of the pluripotent state. Therefore, I aim to study the role of the key histone variant H3.3 and its regulation by the histone chaperone HIRA in PGCs by generating knockout mice models. Further, to gain new insight into the establishment of the unique chromatin signature in PGCs, I will monitor fluorescently labelled H3.3 in PGCs by time-lapse confocal microscopy. This will not only provide significant insight into the nucleosome dynamics of H3.3 but will also for the first time capture epigenetic reprogramming of PGCs in real-time.
During my postdoctoral studies I will not only expand my background in cell fate specification and epigenetics in C. elegans and Drosophila towards a vertebrate model but will also establish novel in vivo imaging techniques in an excellent scientific environment. This project provides training in techniques of germ cell and stem cell biology and offers the opportunity to establish collaborations, altogether putting me in an excellent position for my future career as an independent researcher.
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: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences biological sciences developmental biology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy confocal microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics epigenetics
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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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF
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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
CB2 1TN 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.