Objective
Daylength measuring devices such as the photoperiodic timer enable animals to anticipate and thus survive adverse seasons. This ability has contributed to the great success of insects living in temperate regions. Yet the basis of photoperiodic sensing remains elusive, because of the lack of suitable genetic models expressing photoperiod-dependent seasonal phenotypes. We have developed the linden bug, Pyrrhocoris apterus, into a genetically tractable model with a robust, photoperiod-dependent reproductive arrest (diapause). With the available tools, this insect has become ideal for deciphering the regulation of seasonality. The project has 3 clear and ambitious objectives: 1). Our goal is to define the molecular and anatomical bases of the photoperiodic timer. To achieve this, we propose to identify photoperiodic timer genes, genes regulating input to the timer, and early output markers, through an RNA interference screen(s). To define the molecular mechanism of the timer, we will employ genome editing to precisely alter properties of the key players. 2). Next, we will combine techniques of neuronal backfilling, in-vivo fluorescent reporters, and microsurgery to define the photoperiodic timer anatomically and to examine its spatial relationship to the circadian clock in the insect brain. 3). We will exploit the great natural geographic variability of photoperiodic timing in P. apterus to explore its genetic basis. Genetic variants correlating with phenotypic differences will be causally tested by genome editing within the original genetic backgrounds. Both the established and the innovative strategies provide a complementary approach to the first molecular characterization of the seasonal photoperiodic timer in insects. The proposed research aspires to explain mechanisms underlying the critical physiological adaptation to changing seasons. Deciphering mechanisms underpinning widespread adaptation might bring general implications for environment-friendly pest control.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology entomology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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.
ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2016-COG
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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.
370 05 Ceske Budejovice
Czechia
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.