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A universally applicable system for direct readout of eukaryotic cell transgenesis with a novel integration-coupled gene expression switch

Project description

Novel vectors for cell transgenesis

Many biological and biomedical applications require the transfer of exogenous genes inside cells using transfection of DNA vectors. Despite their simplicity to use, these vectors suffer from low integration into the genome, which is a prerequisite for stably transfected cells. The EU-funded APPLIC-ION proposes to develop vectors that incorporate a novel genetic switch for efficient integration into the genome of cultured cells. This system offers a simplified approach for obtaining stably transfected cells without the use of drugs and has the potential to be implemented for the genetic engineering of model organisms.

Objective

Stable integration of exogenous transgenes in the genome of transfected eukaryotic host cells is essential in many biological, biotechnological and biomedical applications. Naked DNA vectors are increasingly applied for this purpose as an alternative to viral particles due to their low cost, easy production and simplicity of use. However, transgenesis with these vectors remains fundamentally hindered by the impossibility to distinguish integrated transgenes from those remaining in episomal form, which causes week-long delays to select stable transfected cells with risks of toxicity or epigenetic drift. We have introduced an efficient strategy to solves these issues, based on a novel genetic switch that conditions DNA transgene expression to incorporation into the host genome. This integration-coupled On (iOn) switch enables direct and accurate identification of integration events following transfection, opening the way to rapid drug-free stable cell transgenesis. Here, we propose to develop universally applicable vectors based on this system enabling simplified one-shot stable transfection of eukaryotic cells with one or multiple transgenes, among others. Our project will set conditions for diffusing a breakthrough technology with strong potential to accelerate genetic engineering in cultured systems and model organisms.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2020-PoC

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Host institution

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE
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.

€ 150 000,00
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.

No data

Beneficiaries (1)

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