SubsidieMeestersUnravelling the eukaryotic post-transcriptional regulatory code
EPIC aims to decipher the eukaryotic gene regulatory code using high-throughput technologies, synthetic biology, and deep learning to enhance understanding and applications in biology and medicine.
Projectdetails
Introduction
Genomes encode instructions for cells to regulate gene activity in response to their environment. However, despite its importance for biology, medicine, and biotechnology, the underpinning regulatory code remains undeciphered.
Gene Regulation Steps
Gene regulation consists of two major steps:
- Genes are transcribed into mRNA.
- Post-transcriptional mechanisms regulate mRNA stability and the rate at which it is translated into proteins.
The second step of gene regulation is still poorly understood because relevant parameters such as mRNA half-life, mRNA protein binding, and subcellular localization are difficult to assay.
Understanding Post-Transcriptional Regulation
The lack of understanding of post-transcriptional regulation implies that we still do not have a complete picture of the regulatory code.
The EPIC Project
In EPIC, we exploit the advantages of the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other species covering a broad evolutionary range to derive the first comprehensive sequence-based model of eukaryotic gene regulation.
Team Collaboration
EPIC integrates the complementary expertise of three teams:
- Pelechano: Combines innovative high-throughput technologies to probe post-transcriptional regulation at an unprecedented scale across a broad range of species and conditions.
- Verstrepen: Utilizes synthetic biology to massively test regulatory sequences.
- Gagneur: Applies deep learning on these data to build predictive models and unravel complex regulatory instructions.
Goals and Applications
Ultimately, EPIC will enable us to decipher the actual language of gene regulation and facilitate (re)writing genomes.
Impact on Biology and Biotechnology
EPIC will enable understanding and predicting regulation, and ultimately phenotype, from DNA, closing a major gap in basic biology. It will also open exciting avenues for applications in biotechnology and medicine, including:
- Pinpointing disease-causing mutations
- Rational design of genes, RNAs, and cells
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 9.989.247 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 9.989.247 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-7-2024 |
| Einddatum | 30-6-2030 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2024 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- VIB VZWpenvoerder
- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
- KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET
Land(en)
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This project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind Wolbachia's antiviral protection in insects and develop tools for studying symbiont gene function.
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Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen
| Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Genetic Engineering of Regulatory EvolutionGenRevo aims to uncover how regulatory sequences influence gene expression and phenotypes by re-engineering bat wing genetics in mice, advancing understanding of non-coding DNA's role in evolution and disease. | ERC ADG | € 2.490.354 | 2022 | Details |
Designing synthetic regulatory domains to understand gene expressionThis project aims to uncover gene regulation mechanisms by systematically altering and analyzing synthetic gene regulatory domains in mouse stem cells to reveal insights into non-coding genome organization. | ERC STG | € 1.500.000 | 2023 | Details |
Systematically Dissecting the Regulatory Logic of Chromatin ModificationsThis project aims to systematically investigate the functional impact of chromatin modifications on gene expression using a novel editing platform to enhance precision medicine and understand epigenomic profiles. | ERC COG | € 1.999.565 | 2023 | Details |
The evolution of cis and trans-regulators in eukaryotesRegEvol aims to develop and empirically test a new evolutionary theory of gene expression regulation, enhancing understanding of eukaryotic complexity and sex-asex transitions. | ERC ADG | € 2.499.911 | 2024 | Details |
Genetic Engineering of Regulatory Evolution
GenRevo aims to uncover how regulatory sequences influence gene expression and phenotypes by re-engineering bat wing genetics in mice, advancing understanding of non-coding DNA's role in evolution and disease.
Designing synthetic regulatory domains to understand gene expression
This project aims to uncover gene regulation mechanisms by systematically altering and analyzing synthetic gene regulatory domains in mouse stem cells to reveal insights into non-coding genome organization.
Systematically Dissecting the Regulatory Logic of Chromatin Modifications
This project aims to systematically investigate the functional impact of chromatin modifications on gene expression using a novel editing platform to enhance precision medicine and understand epigenomic profiles.
The evolution of cis and trans-regulators in eukaryotes
RegEvol aims to develop and empirically test a new evolutionary theory of gene expression regulation, enhancing understanding of eukaryotic complexity and sex-asex transitions.