Project description
Decoding nuclear hijacking during geminivirus infection
DNA viruses cause devastating diseases by hijacking host cells. Some trigger a process called reorganisation of cellular chromatin (ROCC), which drastically reshapes the cell’s nucleus, yet we know little about how this process starts or impacts the host. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EniGma project aims to uncover the dynamics of ROCC during geminivirus infection in plants. Using advanced imaging and laser technology, EniGma will track how host DNA moves and how viral components interact over time. Additional objectives include analysing genetic and protein changes at different stages of this process. This research may deepen our understanding of viral replication, potentially leading to virus-resistant crops and new medical therapies for similar animal-infecting viruses that also reshape host cells.
Objective
Viruses are obligate parasites that manipulate host proteins and structures to complete their life cycle and cause devastating diseases in animals and plants, impacting global health, food security, and economies. Some DNA viruses that target nucleus as their site of replication can induce drastic changes in the nuclear architecture termed “reorganization of cellular chromatin” (ROCC). ROCC is characterized by condensation and margination of host chromatin. It has been observed in infections by five different DNA virus families with hosts across kingdoms. Given the polyphyletic origins of these virus families, ROCC is suggested to result from a convergently evolved viral infection strategy. However, despite its wide incidence, how ROCC starts, proceeds, and impacts host and virus is yet to be fully explored. Here, we propose to characterize the dynamics and impact of ROCC on virus and host during geminivirus infection in plants, using confocal microscopy and laser microdissection combined with omics approach. Firstly, we will track and define phenotypes of ROCC phases by imaging host chromatin. Secondly, we will monitor the localizations of host and viral DNA as well as proteins associated with viral life cycle during ROCC. Finally, we will isolate the nuclei at different phases of ROCC by laser microdissection and analyze phase-specific nuclear transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility and conformation, as well as proteomics. Together, the results from this project will shed light on the spatiotemporal dynamics and significance of nuclear reorganization induced by geminiviruses. Characterizing ROCC may lead not only to the deeper understanding of the nuclear viral replication mechanism but also to new crop breeding strategies for resistance against geminiviruses. Ultimately, the results may also contribute to new therapeutic strategies against important animal-infecting viruses that also induce ROCC.
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
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture agronomy plant breeding
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy confocal microscopy
- medical and health sciences health sciences infectious diseases viral diseases DNA viruses
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-2025-PF
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.
72074 Tuebingen
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.