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Metabolic Drivers of Epigenetic Modifications: metabolic inducers of histone post-translational modifications in a biological setting

Objective

Post-translational chemical modifications to histone proteins – the storage units of DNA – influence gene expression electrostatically and through specific protein-protein interactions, the study of which is known as epigenetics. Although many enzymes have been identified which add, remove or recognise these modifications, the implication of metabolism in the induction of epigenetic states is a recent development – particularly highlighting acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) as the sole donor for acetylation. Due to the lack of appropriate biochemical tools, this emerging field has not yet been exploited, however Acies Bio’s leading work on the efficient synthesis of 4’ phosphopantetheine (4-PPT), a natural precursor of the prolific substrate CoA, places us in a unique position to realise the novel approach of metabolically inducing epigenetic modifications. In progress towards therapeutic use bypassing faulty metabolism in a rare genetic disorder, we have shown that 4-PPT is cell permeable, serum-stable, tolerated at high doses without side-effects, and can also upregulate histone acetylation. This presents a previously unexplored route to develop 4-PPT as a novel vehicle for the delivery of diverse intracellular acyl-CoA species, and subsequent histone modification. Taking advantage of the interplay between metabolic and epigenetic states, and the complementarity of backgrounds that Acies Bio and Dr Sekirnik can provide through an international partnership combining expertise in both fields, our proposed work would illuminate recently characterised histone acylations. By synthesising novel 4-PPT derivatives, and demonstrating their activity on a cellular and model organism level, we will develop new tools to enable rapid enrichment of rare endogenous modifications to probe their function. This would form the first demonstration of use of native enzyme substrates to affect epigenetic states, affording new European research opportunities in both metabolomics and epigenetics.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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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-2016

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Coordinator

ACIES BIO BIOTEHNOLOSKE RAZISKAVE IN RAZVOJ DOO
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.

€ 157 287,60
Address
TEHNOLOSKI PARK 21
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Slovenija Zahodna Slovenija Osrednjeslovenska
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding 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.

€ 157 287,60
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