Objective
The precise expression of protein coding genes is of crucial importance to all organisms, since proteins are involved in virtually all vital processes. Some proteins need to be available at exactly the right amount to perform cellular functions sustainably and thereby maximize fitness. Consequently, gene expression needs to be accurately controlled. For these reasons, it has been hypothesized that cells evolve towards a state in which expression levels are optimally tuned to maximize fitness in the current environment. The cell’s growth and resource distribution is constrained by tradeoffs between the costs and benefits of a particular expression level. Recent investigations of the global effects of protein levels provide insights into the mutual dependency between expression and growth. To test this central hypothesis in systems biology, we use Escherichia coli which is the best-characterized model organism for fundamental research on gene expression, as well as for biotechnological applications. We aim to advance the understanding of the costs and benefits of expression by systematically investigating its ~4000 genes with gene deletion- and expression libraries. The effect of the expression level for each gene on fitness will be quantified through precise high throughput growth rate measurements. We will dissect general cellular cost-factors from gene specific effects which allow us to systematically uncover the mechanistic causes of the cost of protein overexpression. The burden manifests in universal protein biosynthesis costs but also specific costs such as eventual detrimental effects. The benefits are determined by the function of a protein: metabolic activity, structural component, and other roles. We will test if these contributions collectively converge to an optimum to maximize fitness. Optimality is a common objective in man-made systems and engineering and it will be intriguing to learn how natural selection has shaped cells according to this concept.
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 microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs antibiotics
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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.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
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.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015
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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.
50931 Koln
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.