About the Project
"ChromDesign” is a European innovative and interdisciplinary Research and Training network, which aims to characterize the impact of the 3D chromatin organization on gene regulation during cellular differentiation and in several human disorders, and to train junior researchers in the biomedical field, either in academia or in the private sector. The "ChromDesign" training programme will foster mobility across countries, disciplines and sectors. Through secondments and network-events, we will ensure that all ESRs have opportunities for exposure to different disciplines and environments: academia, industry, design and communication, hospitals, publishing, and non-for-profit funding entities. Most network training will be based around five summer and winter schools that combine hands-on research workshops, academic lectures as well as transferable skills, and innovation and entrepreneurship training sessions.
Description subproject ESR1:
Objectives:
To understand how PCL family of proteins is implicated in modulating Polycomb binding and functions.
Methodology:
Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins are key regulators of the transcriptional programs that maintain stem cell properties and dictate lineage specification. In mouse ESCs, PcG proteins encompass two enzymatically distinct complexes, the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and 2 (PRC2). Failure to properly control developmental transcription programs by Polycomb proteins is linked to disease and embryonic lethality. Genome-wide binding of PRC2 is modulated by ancillary proteins such as PCL family of proteins. We will study the role of PCL1/2/3 in mouse ES cell and during differentiation into neurons and cardiomyocytes.
Expected Results:
We expect to unveil the role of PCL proteins in modulating occupancy of PRC2 complex in mouse ES cells and their role during differentiation.
Planned Secondments:
IGH-CNRS, France (2 months): image analysis of undifferentiated and differentiated ES cells WT and upon modulation of the expression of PCL proteins and differentiation.
ELISAVA, Spain (2 weeks): Design new ways to communicate science results.
Eligibility criteria:
• Applicants may be a national of a Member State, of an Associated Country or of any other third country.
• The candidate should hold an academic degree that enables her/him to undertake doctoral studies. Preference is given to applicants with MSc or equivalent degree.
• At the time of recruitment* by the host organisation, candidates must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience**) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree.
• At the time of recruitment* by the host organisation, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date.
PLEASE NOTICE THAT AN APPLICATION IS SOLELY POSSIBLE VIA THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM (WWW.CHROMDESIGN.EU)
Funding Notes
Funding information:
• Depending on the hosting institute, individual projects start between November 2018 and August 2019.
Duration
• The positions are fully funded for 36 months by the European Comission under the H2020 Marie Curie Innovative Training Network Programme.
Salary
• Marie Curie ITNs provide a highly competitive salary to the ESR, including a competitive monthly living and mobility allowance and (if eligible) a monthly family allowance.
References
Santanach, A. et al. The Polycomb group protein CBX6 is an essential regulator of embryonic stem cell identity. Nat Commun 8, 1235, doi:10.1038/s41467-017-01464-w (2017)
Ballare, C. et al. Phf19 links methylated Lys36 of histone H3 to regulation of Polycomb activity. Nat Struct Mol Biol 19, 1257-1265, doi:10.1038/nsmb.2434 (2012).