Objectif Phenotypes are largely determined by genetic factors. However, a given genotype can give rise to very distinct phenotypes, as exemplified by the diversity of cell types in multicellular organisms. This phenotypic plasticity results from epigenetic changes; that is, reversible modifications to the DNA molecule and its associated proteins that modulate gene expression patterns. Epigenetic changes are critical to the establishment of developmental programs, but also to adjust transcription in response to the environment. The latter is particularly important for plant adaptation: owing to a sessile (immobile) lifestyle, plants cannot run away from adversity, and thus adapt to their environment by tuning gene expression in response to changing conditions. Most epigenetic information is erased from one generation to the next, so that new organisms start their life cycle with a “fresh” potential. However, there are instances in nature of heritable epigenetic marks that can be transmitted to the next generation. Thus, owing to their role in shaping gene expression, and the potential for heritable changes, epigenetic factors are of great interest for plant breeders, in their quest for adaptable, high yielding phenotypes. Most of our current understanding of epigenetic processes in plants has been developed in Arabidopsis, a key model system. However, the Arabidopsis epigenome is rather idiosyncratic, and this knowledge might translate poorly to crops. Here, we will use an interdisciplinary approach combining original genetic materials and bioinformatics to analyze epigenetic regulatory pathways in maize, with a focus on reproductive development. Maize is an important model plant, with a large and dynamic epigenome much more typical of crops. It is also a crop of great economic importance. Better understanding the epigenome of maize will open the door to the manipulation of key agronomic traits, including reproductive development, which is under strong epigenetic influence. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagricultureagronomyplant breedingnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsepigenetics Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Thème(s) MSCA-IF-2014-GF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-GF) Appel à propositions H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MSCA-IF-GF - Global Fellowships Coordinateur INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT Contribution nette de l'UE € 178 603,20 Adresse BOULEVARD DE DUNKERQUE 44 CS 90009 13572 Marseille France Voir sur la carte Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Bouches-du-Rhône Type d’activité Research Organisations Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 178 603,20 Partenaires (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution nette de l'UE Tout développer Tout réduire Partenaire Les organisations partenaires contribuent à la mise en œuvre de l’action, mais ne signent pas la convention de subvention. COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY États-Unis Contribution nette de l'UE € 0,00 Adresse BUNGTOWN ROAD 1 11724 COLD SPRING HARBOR NY Voir sur la carte Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 86 065,20