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Keeping in time with the heat: how oscillating temperatures set the plant circadian clock

Objective

Plants contain rhythmic molecular oscillators (termed circadian clocks) which allow them to anticipate predictable environmental conditions over the course of a day. These clocks control a large proportion of the genome and have a dramatic effect on how plants respond to the environment. To ensure that it remains faithful to day length, the clock must be entrained using external cues. We have known for nearly a century that temperature fluctuations entrain plant circadian rhythms. Remarkably however, we are yet to discover how this information is perceived by the clock.

This proposal aims to discover how temperature sets the phase of the clock. Previous efforts have likely been hampered by the cross-talk between light and temperature signalling in plants. I have discovered that thermal entrainment of dark-grown seedlings enhances their survival during the critical dark to light transition and I will exploit this phenotype to identify the thermal entrainer. One of the most likely candidates is PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4). PIF4 is currently seen as an output of the clock and so these results may revolutionise our understanding of this relationship. I have designed a inter-disciplinary approach including molecular-genetic, computational and physiological experiments in order to test this hypothesis. As PIF4 is a central regulator of plant development, results from this project will have a far-reaching impact.

The enhancement of seedling hardiness through thermal entrainment has potential commercial applications and I have laid out plans to explore these. The results will be communicated to both industrial and academic sectors and the wider public. Special attention has been paid to ensuring that this work will bolster the European Innovation Union through strengthening cross-European co-operation. The project has been designed to maximise my training opportunities and will make a significant contribution to my development as an independent researcher.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

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.

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-2017

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Coordinator

AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
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.

€ 158 121,60
Address
CALLE SERRANO 117
28006 MADRID
Spain

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Region
Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
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.

€ 158 121,60
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