Objective
CRISPR-Cas nucleases have revolutionized genome editing but remain limited by their reliance on DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which restricts safe and efficient integration of large DNA cargos, particularly in non-dividing cells. CRISPR-associated transposons (CASTs) offer a promising alternative: they enable RNA-guided integration of large DNA cargos without DSBs. However, most systems remain poorly characterized and show low or unreported activity in mammalian systems.
The CRAFT project (CRISPR-Associated Transposons for RNA-guided Functional inTegration) will address these gaps by combining discovery, functional characterization, and directed evolution of novel CASTs. I will mine ancient marine metagenomes, shaped by millennia of virus–host co-evolution, to identify novel CASTs. Selected candidates will be biochemically and functionally characterized, using ddPCR and next-generation sequencing to map precise insertion events in bacteria and human cells. Promising systems will be optimized via Phage-Assisted Continuous Evolution (PACE) to improve integration efficiency and precision.
CRAFT goes beyond current technologies by establishing a full discovery-to-application pipeline for CASTs in eukaryotic cells. Expected results include a curated open-access dataset of novel CASTs and optimized variants for therapeutic and biotechnological applications. These advances will expand the genome-editing toolbox, support personalized medicine (e.g. cystic fibrosis), and create opportunities in agriculture and synthetic biology.
This fellowship will strengthen my expertise at the interface of gene editing, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology, preparing me to establish an independent research group. By advancing CAST discovery and evolution, CRAFT will contribute to Europe’s leadership in next-generation genome engineering with clear scientific, societal, and economic impact.
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 bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences evolutionary biology
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture
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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)
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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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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.