Objective Understanding parasite and pathogen resistance is crucial for human and wild-life health. Even though recent genomic advances have refined our knowledge of parasite resistance, the role that trans-generational effects and epigenetics play remains poorly understood. To fill this knowledge gap, this project is designed around four different objectives: 1) Perform laboratory controlled experiment to disentangle the genetics and epigenetics of resistance; 2) Identify those epigenetic marks on the genome that are inherited and associated to increased parasite resistance; 3) Test for the maternal or paternal origin of those marks; 4) Test for the specificity of non-genetic response to parasite resistance when facing multiple diseases. For all those research objectives, we will use the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) as well-established model organism for host-parasite studies. Sticklebacks are virtually present in all water bodies of the Northern hemisphere, they have small and well described genomes and are easy to maintain under laboratory conditions. The combination of the unique study system (G. aculeatus), the quantitative breeding design, the molecular (bisulphite and next generation sequencing; NGS) and immunological techniques as well as the state-of-the-art statistical approach, makes the research outlined in the proposal highly original and competitive. This work will contribute to European excellence through further advancement of European science within the field of host-parasite interactions and pathogen resistance. Upon a successful completion of the project, results will have major implications for diverse research areas, e.g. immunology, speciation, genomics and medicine, but also it could revolutionize management of human and wildlife diseases and improve supportive breeding programs of endangered species. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineobstetricsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologynatural 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 Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address 327 MILE END ROAD E1 4NS London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — East Tower Hamlets Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 183 454,80
