Project description DEENESFRITPL Molecular origin of aging Complex human diseases and ageing begin with slow changes that involve a large number of genes. Preventive medicine is therefore difficult to implement. To study the origins of late-life diseases, a multi-dimensional analysis of molecular changes and physiological parameters during ageing is required. SYSAGING proposes to use C. elegans as a model of a small but fast-growing and aging animal to analyse the molecular origins of complex diseases. Automated microscopy and an image processing platform will be integrated with transcriptomic profiling and in vivo biosensors to collect data at the molecular, cellular, individual and population levels to map factors that increase disease risks. This project will help identify the potential targets for preventive medicine at the molecular and physiological level. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective A central goal of molecular medicine is to understand how genetics, diet, and environment interact to determine health. However, most complex diseases arise from slow, stochastic changes involving large numbers of genes, making it difficult to systematically develop preventative therapies. To study the early and mid-life origins of late-life diseases, we need new methods capable of measuring the high-dimensional dynamics of physiologic change during aging. C. elegans is a small, fast-aging animal and a powerful model for asking fundamental questions about the conserved molecular origins of complex diseases. However, it is not yet feasible to systematically collect molecular and phenotypic time-series at the precision and scale needed to build quantitative dynamic models of aging. Recently, I developed an automated microscopy and image processing technology that allows life-long observation of large populations. In this proposal, we develop this prototype into an integrative platform combining transcriptomic profiling, in vivo biosensors, and new imaging technology. Collecting data at multiple spatial scales—molecules, cells, individuals, and populations—we can map the causal steps through which slow, stochastic molecular changes drive increases in disease risk. We will then apply this method at scale to characterize all known lifespan-altering interventions in C. elegans, including many being explored for clinical application.Combining molecular genetics with theoretic approaches, we will build quantitative models of how complex diseases emerge from slow molecular-level changes, and make methodological progress toward rapid characterization of the determinants of age-associated diseases. This work will help isolate the physiologic changes whose disruption delays aging and reduces disease risk, including new targets for preventative therapies. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsbiosensorsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biologymolecular geneticsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopymedical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutrition Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2019-STG - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2019-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Coordinator FUNDACIO CENTRE DE REGULACIO GENOMICA Net EU contribution € 1 499 981,00 Address Carrer doctor aiguader 88 08003 Barcelona Spain See on map Region Este Cataluña Barcelona Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all FUNDACIO CENTRE DE REGULACIO GENOMICA Spain Net EU contribution € 1 499 981,00 Address Carrer doctor aiguader 88 08003 Barcelona See on map Region Este Cataluña Barcelona Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
