Objective
Mobile genetic elements (MGE) are ubiquitous and represent the particularly fluid part of the bacterial genome. They are assumed to contribute to bacterial diversity and adaptability in response to environmental changes. MGE endow their bacterial host with genetic variability needed to successfully colonize ecological niches. MGE form an important part of the horizontal gene pool which can be shared by different bacterial populations. Thus, MGE play a key role in the horizontal spread of antibiotic resistance genes. The present knowledge on the molecular biology of MGE is limited to a few representatives of the bacterial kingdom. The ecology of these plasmids is even less understood. Recent advances in methods to isolate and detect MGE independently from the culturability of their hosts have opened a new dimension in our ability to characterize the horizontal gene pool. The proposed concerted action links together the expertise of European scientists working on the molecular biology and ecology of mobile genetic elements. The concerted action aims to gain a better knowledge on the prevalence and diversity of MGE in bacterial populations, on MGEs' maintenance and transfer functions in an ecological context and on the mechanisms of gene acquisition and spread. A better understanding of the molecular biology and ecology of MGE is important for the safe application of genetically modified microorganisms and will considerably improve the potential to exploit the genetic resources located on MGE for biotechnology.
Two symposia, three workshops and short-term exchanges are planned to reach the objectives of the concerted action. This concerted action complies with the BIOTECHNOLOGY programme objectives under sections 7.2.1 and 7.4.3.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy drug resistance antibiotic resistance
- natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
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.
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.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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.
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.
Coordinator
38104 Braunschweig
Germany
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.