Project description
Immunity against giant viruses
Giant viruses are unusually large DNA viruses that are often visible by light microscopy with genomes exceeding those of many bacteria. Evidence shows that giant viruses can integrate into the genome of many eukaryotic species, forming giant endogenous viral elements (GEVEs). A unicellular relative of animals was recently found to carry hundreds of these elements. Normally silent, GEVEs were reactivated when DNA methylation was removed, leading to the expression of both viral sequences and those involved in small RNA (sRNA) pathways. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SMALLGIANT project investigates if reactivated GEVEs produce sRNAs that contribute to antiviral defence and reflect co-evolution with giant viruses. Project findings will shed light on RNA-based immunity in unicellular eukaryotes.
Objective
In this project, we aim to investigate the role of small RNAs (sRNAs) in defending against giant virus infections. Giant viruses are eukaryotic viruses with exceptionally large genomes, some of which surpass the size of bacterial genomes. Remarkably, giant virus integrations have been found across various eukaryotes, leading to the formation of giant endogenous viral elements (GEVEs). Among the reported GEVEs, the host group (Dr. de Mendoza’s laboratory) has identified a unicellular relative of animals that harbours hundreds of GEVEs—more than any other known eukaryote. This observation suggests that these viral integrations may confer a beneficial role to the host. Although GEVEs are typically transcriptionally silent, the removal of DNA methylation triggers the reactivation of many viral genes, mimicking an infection. Notably, proteins related to sRNA biogenesis are upregulated during this reactivation, indicating that sRNAs may play a role in post-transcriptional silencing of the endogenized viruses, as no viral particles are formed. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that GEVE-derived transcripts generate sRNAs that help defend against future infections.To explore this hypothesis, I will bring my expertise in small RNAs to the host lab, aiming to deepen our understanding of how sRNAs co-evolved with GEVEs and how they may function in immunity against giant viruses. My focus will be on key unicellular eukaryotes that possess the genetic machinery necessary for sRNA processing and show evidence of containing GEVEs. The outcomes of this project have the potential to open a new field of research. If sRNAs are indeed involved in immunity, they could be leveraged to protect these species against new infections. Additionally, we propose various outreach activities to engage the public and highlight the importance of studying the evolution of unicellular eukaryotes and giant viruses.
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 virology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
E1 4NS LONDON
United Kingdom
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.