Objective
The aim of this project is to analyse and compare from the evolutionary point of view the replication and regulatory mechanisms of two unusual self-replicating elements found in Escherichia coli, the phage-plasmids N15 and P4. N15 is a temperate phage that, as a prophage, replicates as a linear plasmid with covalently closed ends. P4 is an integrative plasmid that can exploit the morphogenetic functions of a "helper" virus such as P2. Specific objectives of this research proposal are: Mollar analysis of P4 immunity system. The P4 immunity factor is a processed antisense RNA that acts on complementary targets on a nascent transcript thus eliciting efficient transcription termination. The antisense RNA processing pathway and the mechanism of transcription termination will be analysed. This may lead to a better understanding of general mechanisms of transcription termination and RNA processing and degradation in bacteria. Completion of N15 genome sequencing and sequence analysis; analysis of N15 transcription pattern and gene expression control in the lytic and plasmid states. This will give a detailed physical, genetic and transcription map of the phage; will outline the overall N15 developmental strategies; will disclose specific regulatory switches that will be analysed in more detail.
Analysis of DNA replication from the two different origins identified in P4 and control of P4 replication in its different developmental stages.This will elucidate the mechanism of P4 copy number control via interaction between the P4 primase- helicase and the Cnr regulatory protein, and will define the role of the second origin of replication. Study of N15 replication in vivo and in vitro.
This research is aimed to dissect mollar mechanisms of plasmid and lytic replication, identify genes and ori sites, and establish an in vitro replication system for N15 replication. Due to their unique properties, both P4 and N15 appear to be evolutionary links between plasmids and viruses and may therefore provide exceptionally useful model systems for the study of virus, plasmid, and bacterial evolution. Moreover, a better understanding of N15 mollar properties could be exploited to develop new pliar vectors for cloning and for genetic manipulation of micro-organisms.
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.
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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.
Call for proposal
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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.
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Coordinator
20133 MILANO
Italy
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.