Objective This project aims to understand RNA silencing pathways in plants using the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model. The aim is to characterise the different modules in the RNA silencing pathways, the ways that they interact to form complex regulatory networks and the effect of these networks on growth and development. The initial approach will involve genetic and molecular characterisation of components in RNA silencing machinery. Having identified these components, I will then use different approaches to modify the different modules and assess their involvement in growth and progression of the algal life cycle. Chlamydomonas is an appropriate model because it has RNA silencing pathways that are simplified versions of those in higher plants, but in which there is still the potential for complexity given the existence of different types of pathways associated with suppression of gene expression at the RNA and chromatin level. In addition, because Chlamydomonas can be cultured synchronously, it is possible to carry out a system level analysis of regulatory networks: the extracts will represent the content of a single cell type at a defined stage of the cell cycle whereas with higher plants there are complications for this analysis associated with different cell types. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyphycologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNA Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE EU contribution € 200 549,60 Address TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS CB2 1TN Cambridge United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Renata Schaeffer (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
