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Genetic landscape of the homology search

Project description

Delineating the process of DNA damage repair

Genomic integrity is sustained through the DNA repair process, which corrects DNA damage. Failure to do so leads to ageing and cancer. The EU-funded RecPAIR project is focussing on the repair of double strand DNA breaks (DSBs), the most threatening DNA lesions. Scientists are interested to delineate the process of homologous recombination employed to repair DSBs using the intact DNA as a template. Using genome editing, they will mimic DSB formation, monitor chromosome dynamics and identify genes implicated in DSB repair. Collectively, the project will help elucidate one of the most fundamental processes in life, with important implications for health.

Objective

The integrity of genetic information is central to life, yet the DNA is vulnerable to damage from internal and external sources. Incorrect repair of DNA damage drives mutagenesis, loss of genetic information, ageing, and cancer. Double strand DNA breaks (DSBs) are perhaps the most threatening DNA lesions, where the integrity of both strands of the DNA duplex is interrupted at the same position. In E. coli, faithful repair of DSBs is possible only through the homologous recombination (HR) pathway which uses replicated chromosome as a template to recover the information. At the center of HR lies an elusive search process, during which broken strand localises and pairs with the repair template.

I will use a combination of CRISPR/dCas9 screening and in-situ genotyping of pooled library of strains to characterise the genetic landscape controlling the homology search. First, I will develop a low probability DSB induction method, to limit the DSB-formation to only a single chromosome per cell. Next, I will design and implement a whole-genome CRISPRi screen coupled to high-throughput sequencing and map the genes involved specifically in the homology directed repair of DSBs. The knowledge of the recombination-specific genes will allow to create a refined, high-quality phenotypic screen. In this screen the whole chromosome dynamics will be monitored and defects in the DNA movements will be characterised for each tested target with a microfluidic-based fluorescent microscopy. Each phenotype will be linked to a specific gene using the state-of-the-art in-situ phenotyping approach called DuMPLING. The functional characterisation of recombination genes will allow to conclude a molecular model of the search process in vivo.

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018

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Coordinator

UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
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.

€ 191 852,16
Address
VON KRAEMERS ALLE 4
751 05 Uppsala
Sweden

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Region
Östra Sverige Östra Mellansverige Uppsala län
Activity type
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.

€ 191 852,16
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