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Understanding how selection for body weight in mouse operates at the RNA level

Objective

The aim of this project is to enhance our understanding of how genetic selection for body weight in mouse drives changes at the RNA level. This is a key point for quantitative genetics because a better knowledge of the genetic control of gene expression would imply a better prediction of changes in the regulatory networks and subsequently in the phenotype. Moreover, the biological insight gained by this understanding could, in turn, be used by the animal breeding industry to design more efficient breeding strategies. However, generally, genetic studies focus on understanding mean phenotypic differences among genotypes, although genes can also lead differences in the phenotypic variance between genotypes. Thus, this research will use a systems approach to model the genetic control of both, the mean and the variance of gene expression, and to identify regulatory networks than can be modified by selection. In addition, important environmental effects, such as maternal effects (e.g. uterine capacity), play an important role on the response to selection for growth in mammals. The second project aim is to elucidate how maternal effects shape the expression of genes and gain insight into the mechanisms underpinning gene by environment interactions. The recent emergence of high throughput technologies such as mRNA sequencing allows the study of the genetic and environmental makeup of cellular phenotypes. Furthermore, answering these questions require experimental designs and biological resources that are not usually available. The Roslin Institute has an extraordinary resource to carry out this research. After many generations of divergent selection for body weight multiple mouse lines were inbred, and kept inbred through brother-sister mating for over fifty generations. Four of these lines will be used in the current project. Hence, this project will capitalize on this extraordinary resource jointly with the emerging genomic tools for addressing these important questions.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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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.

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.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

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

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

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Coordinator

THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 195 454,80
Address
OLD COLLEGE, SOUTH BRIDGE
EH8 9YL Edinburgh
United Kingdom

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Region
Scotland Eastern Scotland Edinburgh
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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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.

€ 195 454,80
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