Periodic Reporting for period 1 - aDDRess (Joint Training and Research Program on Chromatin Dynamics and the DNA Damage Response)
Reporting period: 2019-03-01 to 2021-02-28
The Program "Joint training and research program on chromatin dynamics and the DNA damage response” (aDDRess - ITN) is an H2020-funded Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) that is coordinated by the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), at the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) , Heraklion , Crete , Greece (Coordinator: Prof. George A. Garinis).
The overall objectives of the aDDRess-ITN are to i. establish a European research platform of excellence in the field of chromatin dynamics and the DDR by integrating research from basic mechanisms to translational research applications, ii. create a Network dedicated for the training of ESRs promoting their independent careers, their own scientific goals and future employment prospects and to transform our current successful, long-term collaborations into a stronger intellectual and training network while building durable links between the participating labs and the industry (SMEs). The aDDRess ITN focuses on a series of relatively short-term objectives that are achievable within the time course of the Network project. These objectives are centered to 15 ESRs and are grouped into three into three functionally-linked thematic areas i.e. 1. DNA Repair mechanisms & chromatin architecture (WP4), 2. Genome maintenance in development and disease (WP5) and 3. Novel approaches to study DNA repair-deficient disorders (WP6). In addressing these aims, we have put forward a multidisciplinary approach to study this central thematic area at the molecular, cellular and systems level by assembling a group of scientists and industrial partners with cross disciplinary expertise and capabilities. The Program includes several genetic model systems employing cutting-edge technologies and tools, some of which have been specifically developed by the participants of this network. The consortium combines top-level, state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research skills ranging from basic molecular mechanisms and ‘omics’ level understanding to translational research and clinical applications.
The overall objectives of the aDDRess-ITN are to i. establish a European research platform of excellence in the field of chromatin dynamics and the DDR by integrating research from basic mechanisms to translational research applications, ii. create a Network dedicated for the training of ESRs promoting their independent careers, their own scientific goals and future employment prospects and to transform our current successful, long-term collaborations into a stronger intellectual and training network while building durable links between the participating labs and the industry (SMEs). The aDDRess ITN focuses on a series of relatively short-term objectives that are achievable within the time course of the Network project. These objectives are centered to 15 ESRs and are grouped into three into three functionally-linked thematic areas i.e. 1. DNA Repair mechanisms & chromatin architecture (WP4), 2. Genome maintenance in development and disease (WP5) and 3. Novel approaches to study DNA repair-deficient disorders (WP6). In addressing these aims, we have put forward a multidisciplinary approach to study this central thematic area at the molecular, cellular and systems level by assembling a group of scientists and industrial partners with cross disciplinary expertise and capabilities. The Program includes several genetic model systems employing cutting-edge technologies and tools, some of which have been specifically developed by the participants of this network. The consortium combines top-level, state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research skills ranging from basic molecular mechanisms and ‘omics’ level understanding to translational research and clinical applications.
The aDDRess ITN Program initiated its research and training activities on March 1st, 2019 and is currently on schedule with respect to its main objectives as set out in the original workplan. All ESRs have been recruited by the participating labs and the research and training plans have been prepared and submitted. There are no changes in the research objectives of the network, the current state of the art (in relation to the network), the research methodology and approach or with respect to the originality or innovative aspects of the relevant ESR projects and the network.
The ESRs’ scientific work started in month 6 of the Project or as soon as the ESR was recruited, which took place always within the first 12 months of the Program. As most ESRs are in their early steps of their project, attention is paid to further clarify the individual research directions to current research trends in the respective field, set up and optimize the relevant assays needed as well as prepare and test the experimental animal or cell culture models for their suitability with respect to the particular project questions.
In spite of the challenging times related to SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, the Program completed successfully its first and second annual meetings, the project management course and the 1st Workshop. In line, the ESR secondments have been arranged within the year 2021.
Until now, there are no outstanding issues with the overall implementation of the program. The program’s PO performed the aDDRess project check during the teleconference for the 1st Annual meeting and was satisfied with the progression of the project. The deliverables have been submitted and milestones for this period have been met. The aDDRess website and data management plan are in place, training courses have begun and the outreach strategy of the Network is effective enhancing the overall exposure of the Program.
The ESRs’ scientific work started in month 6 of the Project or as soon as the ESR was recruited, which took place always within the first 12 months of the Program. As most ESRs are in their early steps of their project, attention is paid to further clarify the individual research directions to current research trends in the respective field, set up and optimize the relevant assays needed as well as prepare and test the experimental animal or cell culture models for their suitability with respect to the particular project questions.
In spite of the challenging times related to SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, the Program completed successfully its first and second annual meetings, the project management course and the 1st Workshop. In line, the ESR secondments have been arranged within the year 2021.
Until now, there are no outstanding issues with the overall implementation of the program. The program’s PO performed the aDDRess project check during the teleconference for the 1st Annual meeting and was satisfied with the progression of the project. The deliverables have been submitted and milestones for this period have been met. The aDDRess website and data management plan are in place, training courses have begun and the outreach strategy of the Network is effective enhancing the overall exposure of the Program.
The aDDRess ITN is based upon a well-structured research and training program that aims to elucidate the functional role of Chromatin dynamics and the DNA Damage Response mechanisms in cellular homeostasis with important ramifications for developmental and age-related disorders. The key research objectives, are organized into three highly interrelated research Work Packages 4-6 ranging from basic molecular mechanisms and ‘omics’ level understanding to translational research and clinical applications. The thematic priority of the Action, the wide spectrum of the scientific questions addressed and the international profile of the academic and non-academic participants involved provide an excellent opportunity for high-level training of young researchers to acquire broad skills in the field of genome maintenance, chromatin metabolism and associated diseases, including cancer.
aDDRess fulfils the European policy objective for major future leaps in translational research and high-throughput technologies, benefiting from the talents of scientists with appropriate, state-of-the-art expertise. aDDRess has the potential to establish world leadership in the field, mainly due to the competitive edge provided by EU support for intensive collaboration of a critical mass of researchers from different disciplines. This integrated approach neutralizes the problem of fragmentation of expertise in Europe translating the potential success in scientific achievements and of flourishing highly-qualified young scientists, into tangible benefits for European resources (infrastructure-facilities, instruments, trained personnel and training programs).
The successful outcomes of both research and training dimensions of aDDRess enhance the competitiveness of the participating labs by increasing the number of researchers that will be interested to join them even beyond the lifetime of aDDRess and of Europe in general through the generation of highly trained young researchers and through the diffusion/exploitation of proprietary knowledge.
The aDDRess ESRs gain strong background in genetics, molecular and cellular biology, “omics” approaches and bioinformatics on a wide range of genetic model systems. The non-academic Participants train ESRs in cutting-edge methodologies, such as high-throughput screening, sequencing, ChIP-, bioinformatics- and proteomics-based approaches and in transferable skills.
aDDRess fulfils the European policy objective for major future leaps in translational research and high-throughput technologies, benefiting from the talents of scientists with appropriate, state-of-the-art expertise. aDDRess has the potential to establish world leadership in the field, mainly due to the competitive edge provided by EU support for intensive collaboration of a critical mass of researchers from different disciplines. This integrated approach neutralizes the problem of fragmentation of expertise in Europe translating the potential success in scientific achievements and of flourishing highly-qualified young scientists, into tangible benefits for European resources (infrastructure-facilities, instruments, trained personnel and training programs).
The successful outcomes of both research and training dimensions of aDDRess enhance the competitiveness of the participating labs by increasing the number of researchers that will be interested to join them even beyond the lifetime of aDDRess and of Europe in general through the generation of highly trained young researchers and through the diffusion/exploitation of proprietary knowledge.
The aDDRess ESRs gain strong background in genetics, molecular and cellular biology, “omics” approaches and bioinformatics on a wide range of genetic model systems. The non-academic Participants train ESRs in cutting-edge methodologies, such as high-throughput screening, sequencing, ChIP-, bioinformatics- and proteomics-based approaches and in transferable skills.