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Content archived on 2024-06-16

Development of small modulators of gene activation and repression by targeting epigenetic regulators

Objective

The identity of a given cell within a metazoan organism is primarily defined by the expression pattern of its genes. The activation and repression of particular genes is tightly regulated by the concerted action of transcription factors that recognize and bind specific DNA sequences within regulatory regions. Work done over the last 20 years established this basic regulatory mechanism of gene activation and repression, while recent experiments exposed an additional layer of regulation involving modifications of DNA and bound histones. These modifications are involved in cellular inheritance of transcriptional states through cell division and development and as they are not coupled to DNA sequence are referred to as epigenetic.

Many factors that impact on epigenetic phenomena are clearly distinct from basic transcription factors and are involved in regulating chromatin structure. Modulation of chromatin structure is frequently achieved by intrinsic enzymatic activities that either mark particular regions within the genome for activity or repression or use the hydrolysis of ATP to remodel nucleosomal arrays. This change of gene expression patterns in response to external and internal signals has a major influence on stem cell differentiation, the maintenance of tissue integrity and the adaptation of organisms to environmental changes.

Recently small molecules that target histone deacetylases have been used for cancer treatment, which has opened new avenues in therapeutical research. However, small molecules targeting epigenetic regulators have so far not been the major focus of drug discovery efforts. The suggested STREP proposal aims at the development of such compounds, which is the primary mission of Chroma, the SME participating in the consortium.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP6-2005-LIFESCIHEALTH-7
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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.

STREP - Specific Targeted Research Project

Coordinator

LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH
EU contribution
No data
Total cost

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.

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Participants (5)

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