Objective
ReadSSB addresses a key bottleneck in genome‑stability research by establishing a topology‑aware, label‑free nanopore method to detect DNA single‑strand breaks (SSBs), map their positions, and quantify gap lengths at the single‑molecule level. SSBs are the most frequent DNA lesions and important disease biomarkers, yet existing assays are indirect, slow, and lack single‑molecule resolution. Beyond detection, ReadSSB provides a controlled testbed for non‑equilibrium polymer physics, where SSBs introduce local discontinuities in dsDNA torsional rigidity and mechanical properties.
Building on evidence that electro-osmotic flow generates torque and nucleates plectonemes that are suppressed by SSBs, we will: (O1) characterize topology-dependent ionic-current signatures for intact vs SSB-containing DNA; (O2) optimize operating regimes to amplify SSB separability; (O3) characterize SSBs on circular plasmids; and (O4) localize SSB position and gap length along individual molecules via the “molecular ping-pong” method.
The methodology integrates DNA nanotechnology for controlled SSB constructs and plasmids, solid-state nanopores with tuned electro-osmotic torque, and data-driven signal processing to extract plectoneme probabilities. Outputs will include a physical model of SSB-governed translocation dynamics, a protocol for SSB mapping and gap-length quantification, and an optimized nanopore platform for high-resolution biomolecule detection.
This project goes beyond the state of the art by converting topology-induced dynamics into actionable readouts of DNA damage without labels, enabling rapid and portable assays. Its outcomes directly support Horizon Europe priorities, EU Mission on Cancer and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, by underpinning next-generation diagnostics for treatment monitoring and personalized medicine.
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 genetics DNA
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering signal processing
- engineering and technology nanotechnology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
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.