DECAF
Financiado
Deciphering adaptive footprints of epiC evolution on different timescales
Epigenetics plays a fundamental role in the function and regulation of the genome. From an evolutionary viewpoint, a pressing question is whether epigenetic modifications are a source of adaptive variation. To answer this question...
Epigenetics plays a fundamental role in the function and regulation of the genome. From an evolutionary viewpoint, a pressing question is whether epigenetic modifications are a source of adaptive variation. To answer this question substantial attention is being given to the epigenetic marks themselves, but surprisingly little is known about the evolutionary underpinnings of the genomic sites that anchor them. Using novel analytical and technical approaches, I want to address this fundamental knowledge gap. I will use the best understood epigenetic mark, DNA methylation, as a model and advance on recent findings in avian genome evolution, epigenetic inheritance and sequencing technology. This will enable me to pinpoint signatures of epigenetically driven adaptation. I have designed separate approaches at three different levels: (1) At the individual level, to identify stably methylated anchors in the avian germline with focus on a recently discovered germline-specific chromosome, (2) at the population level, to establish the selective forces acting on DNA methylation diversity in natural populations and (3) at the species level, to gain insight into how fast-mutating anchors of DNA methylation act as potential facilitators of species differentiation and barriers. Ultimately, by combining these three levels I will be able to pinpoint epigenetic anchors that are involved in molecular adaptation. The possible research outcomes will not only be valuable to evolutionary biologists and ecologists, but will also make fundamental contributions to molecular biology and possibly medical research, and will deepen our understanding of how epigenetic marks manifest themselves at the sequence level.
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Duración del proyecto: 63 meses
Fecha Inicio: 2020-10-27
Fecha Fin: 2026-01-31
Fecha Fin: 2026-01-31
Línea de financiación: concedida
El organismo H2020 notifico la concesión del proyecto el día 2020-10-27
Línea de financiación objetivo
El proyecto se financió a través de la siguiente ayuda:
ERC-2020-STG:
ERC STARTING GRANTS
Cerrada
hace 5 años
Presupuesto
El presupuesto total del proyecto asciende a
1M€
Líder del proyecto
TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DORTMUND
No se ha especificado una descripción o un objeto social para esta compañía.
Perfil tecnológico
TRL
4-5
Perfil tecnológico
TRL
4-5
300.91K€ |
Participante