Project description
Structural variants and species fitness
Individuals differ in the sequence of their DNA, leading to extensive genomic variation in the population. However, the accumulation of deleterious mutations, known as genetic load, reduces the fitness of individuals and populations. Structural variants including insertions, deletions and inversions of DNA sequences can profoundly influence genetic load but are often overlooked due to difficulties in large-scale detection and analysis. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SV-Load project aims to elucidate how structural variants contribute to population fitness by combining computational modelling and experimental validation. Using the fly species Coelopa frigida, the project will provide important insight into the role of structural variants in shaping genetic diversity and adaptation across species.
Objective
How can we accurately measure and predict genetic load? In SV-load, I aim to understand how an often overlooked, but high impact class of genomic variation contributes to genetic load. Structural variants (SVs) have been shown to have significant implications for individual and population fitness and impact more genomic content overall than traditional whole-genomic markers (i.e. single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs). However, whole-genome SVs are underrepresented in population studies as they have historically been difficult to characterise and genotype at the population-scale. As a result, the dynamics of SV diversity in the face of fundamental evolutionary processes (e.g. selection, recombination, and population size) is relatively unresolved and hinders the study of genetic load across disciplines. To address this gap, I will implement in-silico approaches to forecast and experimentally test how SVs respond to different demographic parameters in a non-model species (Coelopa frigida). During my PhD and first postdoc I honed the sequencing and bioinformatic skills necessary to study genome-wide SVs at the population-scale. I will bring this expertise to the host lab of Dr. Mérot and Dr. Glémin at the Université de Rennes (UR, France), experts in the field of evolutionary biology and ecology. Training with the host lab, and a secondment with A/Prof Bataillon at Aarhus University (AU, Denmark) will broaden my modelling and experimental skills. Through these collaborations, I will learn new multidisciplinary approaches in modelling, statistical genomics and experimentation. This project will not only complement my existing skills but enable me to gain a competitive advantage in establishing my European career in the exciting and dynamic field of evolutionary biology. Finally, this project will aid in advancing our understanding of genetic load, which remains a fundamental challenge for biologists in the agriculture, conservation, and evolution research sectors.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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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.
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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75794 Paris
France
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