Project description
Epigenetic inheritance in plants
Epigenetic regulation controls the expression of genes without altering the sequence of the DNA. Accumulating evidence indicates that the epigenetic status may be inherited to the next generation in both animals and plants. The EU-funded SexMeth project is interested to understand the inheritance of DNA methylation specifically in the germline of plants. Researchers will investigate the role of the environment in DNA methylation and how it may reprogramme gene expression and influence phenotype. The work will offer fundamental insight on how this epigenetic mechanism can be passed down the generations during development.
Objective
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism carrying regulatory information across generations in plants and animals. Germlines called sexual lineages (SLs) in plants are essential for understanding methylation-based epigenetics because they mediate inheritance and undergo large-scale methylation reprogramming. Germline methylation reprogramming is also crucial for reproduction. However, our understanding of plant SL epigenetics is in its infancy.
I have done some of the first and most influential work in plant SL epigenetics, and developed advanced techniques for the isolation and epigenomic analysis of rare plant cell types. Recently my lab discovered that the small RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway, which generally only targets transposons, induces methylation of genes specifically in SLs, thereby regulating gene expression and meiosis. Our results also indicate that genic methylation is established in meiocytes (the origin of the male SL) by soma-derived small RNAs that are attenuated by heat stress, suggesting the hypothesis that environmentally malleable heritable information flows from soma to the germline.
We will test our hypothesis and reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying SL-specific DNA methylation in plants by pursuing the following objectives:
1. Determine how SL-specific genic methylation is established in meiocytes
2. Reveal how sRNA biogenesis and transport mediate DNA methylation in the male SL
3. Elucidate environmental modulation and transgenerational inheritance of SL methylation
Our research will reveal how new genomic loci become methylated and stay methylated through cell divisions, and how methylation is adjusted by the environment and carried to the next generation to influence phenotype. This knowledge will revolutionize our understanding of developmentally regulated methylation reprogramming, and will be invaluable for site- and/or cell type- specific engineering of DNA methylation.
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.
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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)
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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
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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-STG - Starting Grant
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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) ERC-2018-STG
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3400 KLOSTERNEUBURG
Austria
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