Objective
The current lack of mechanistic understanding regarding how Polycomb targets are selected severely limits the potential for epigenetic manipulation in many eukaryotic systems. This proposal therefore addresses a key central question in chromatin biology: which factors specify a gene for Polycomb mediated silencing?
It will make use of the recent identification of a single nucleotide polymorphism within the target gene that blocks cold induced silencing of the Polycomb switching system at FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) in Arabidopsis thaliana. At FLC, specific DNA binding proteins (VAL1, VAL2) and their partners interact in a not yet fully understood regulatory network with Polycomb proteins, which consequently convert environmental cues (prolonged cold) into stable epigenetic memory (silencing of the gene) to achieve flowering.
I hypothesise that this regulation involves components of the Apoptosis and Splicing Associated Protein (ASAP) complex, the functions of which have been linked to RNA processing and RNA quality control. Thus, these protein interactions directly link DNA sequence specificity with co-transcriptional regulation through to Polycomb mediated epigenetic gene silencing. I aim to demonstrate that multiple cis and trans factors determine Polycomb target selection and that their combined actions synergize to nucleate Polycomb complexes at FLC, and thus switch the gene from an epigenetically active to a silent state. The proposed work will be achieved through interconnected molecular, biochemical and genetic avenues. It will yield novel and comprehensive mechanistic insights into the complexity and plasticity of epigenetic regulation of Polycomb target genes in plants, with broad impact on chromatin research in other organisms.
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 genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics nucleotides
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics epigenetics
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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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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Call for proposal
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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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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.
NR4 7UH NORWICH
United Kingdom
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