Objective One of the main challenges of 21st century biology is to describe the many factors controlling our genes – our ‘epigenetics’. Having sequenced the human genome in 1999, and the genomes of many other organisms since then, we already know what genes these organisms have, but we must now study where those genes are used, in which cell types, during which stage of development, and in response to what environmental factors. This ‘epigenetic’ knowledge is crucial to the understanding of development and disease.Current models in this field can demonstrate that epigenetic information is passed through generations, but they cannot fully explain how the information is inherited. The ChromaPhy project studies the mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance. We combine novel techniques of chemical biology and live-cell imaging with those of molecular genetics, in the model organism Physarum polycephalum. Physarum has a unique ability to absorb whole proteins from its environment into its cellular physiology, making it ideal for our study. ChromaPhy brings together four research groups in Germany and France to support and enable the UK-trained researcher. Because chromatin components are some of the most highly conserved proteins in nature, discoveries we learn from Physarum polycephalum will be directly applicable to human biology. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biologymolecular geneticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesnatural 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-2012-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN Address Geschwister scholl platz 1 80539 Muenchen Germany See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Corey Laverty (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution € 161 968,80
