Project acronym FLATRONICS
Project Electronic devices based on nanolayers
Researcher (PI) Andras Kis
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The main objective of this research proposal is to explore the electrical properties of nanoscale devices and circuits based on nanolayers. Nanolayers cover a wide span of possible electronic properties, ranging from semiconducting to superconducting. The possibility to form electrical circuits by varying their geometry offers rich research and practical opportunities. Together with graphene, nanolayers could form the material library for future nanoelectronics where different materials could be mixed and matched to different functionalities.
Summary
The main objective of this research proposal is to explore the electrical properties of nanoscale devices and circuits based on nanolayers. Nanolayers cover a wide span of possible electronic properties, ranging from semiconducting to superconducting. The possibility to form electrical circuits by varying their geometry offers rich research and practical opportunities. Together with graphene, nanolayers could form the material library for future nanoelectronics where different materials could be mixed and matched to different functionalities.
Max ERC Funding
1 799 996 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-09-01, End date: 2014-08-31
Project acronym HYBRIDQED
Project Hybrid Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics with Atoms and Circuits
Researcher (PI) Andreas Joachim Wallraff
Host Institution (HI) EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2009-StG
Summary We plan to investigate the strong coherent interaction of light and matter on the level of individual photons and atoms or atom-like systems. In particular, we will explore large dipole moment superconducting artificial atoms and natural Rydberg atoms interacting with radiation fields contained in quasi-one-dimensional on-chip microwave frequency resonators. In these resonators photons generate field strengths that exceed those in conventional mirror based resonators by orders of magnitude and they can also be stored for long times. This allows us to reach the strong coupling limit of cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) using superconducting circuits, an approach known as circuit QED. In this project we will explore novel approaches to perform quantum optics experiments in circuits. We will develop techniques to generate and detect non-classical radiation fields using nonlinear resonators and chip-based interferometers. We will also further advance the circuit QED approach to quantum information processing. Our main goal is to develop an interface between circuit and atom based realizations of cavity QED. In particular, we will couple Rydberg atoms to on-chip resonators. To achieve this goal we will first investigate the interaction of ensembles of atoms in a beam with the coherent fields in a transmission line or a resonator. We will perform spectroscopy and we will investigate on-chip dispersive detection schemes for Rydberg atoms. We will also explore the interaction of Rydberg atoms with chip surfaces in dependence on materials, temperature and geometry. Experiments will be performed from 300 K down to millikelvin temperatures. We will realize and characterize on-chip traps for Rydberg atoms. Using trapped atoms we will explore their coherent dynamics. Finally, we aim at investigating the single atom and single photon limit. When realized, this system will be used to explore the first quantum coherent interface between atomic and solid state qubits.
Summary
We plan to investigate the strong coherent interaction of light and matter on the level of individual photons and atoms or atom-like systems. In particular, we will explore large dipole moment superconducting artificial atoms and natural Rydberg atoms interacting with radiation fields contained in quasi-one-dimensional on-chip microwave frequency resonators. In these resonators photons generate field strengths that exceed those in conventional mirror based resonators by orders of magnitude and they can also be stored for long times. This allows us to reach the strong coupling limit of cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) using superconducting circuits, an approach known as circuit QED. In this project we will explore novel approaches to perform quantum optics experiments in circuits. We will develop techniques to generate and detect non-classical radiation fields using nonlinear resonators and chip-based interferometers. We will also further advance the circuit QED approach to quantum information processing. Our main goal is to develop an interface between circuit and atom based realizations of cavity QED. In particular, we will couple Rydberg atoms to on-chip resonators. To achieve this goal we will first investigate the interaction of ensembles of atoms in a beam with the coherent fields in a transmission line or a resonator. We will perform spectroscopy and we will investigate on-chip dispersive detection schemes for Rydberg atoms. We will also explore the interaction of Rydberg atoms with chip surfaces in dependence on materials, temperature and geometry. Experiments will be performed from 300 K down to millikelvin temperatures. We will realize and characterize on-chip traps for Rydberg atoms. Using trapped atoms we will explore their coherent dynamics. Finally, we aim at investigating the single atom and single photon limit. When realized, this system will be used to explore the first quantum coherent interface between atomic and solid state qubits.
Max ERC Funding
1 954 464 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-09-01, End date: 2014-08-31
Project acronym LABCHIP_MULTIPLEX
Project Simultaneous Detection of Multiple DNA and Protein Targets on Paramagnetic Beads Packed in Microfluidic Channels using Quantum Dots as Tracers
Researcher (PI) Martin Pumera
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE4, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The detection of DNA hybridization and protein recoginittion event (immunoassay) is very important for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases, for the detection infectious agents and for reliable forensic analysis. Recent activity has focused on the development of hybridization assays that permit simultaneous determination of multiple DNA or protein targets, using optical or electrochemical coding technology, based on unique encoding properties of semiconductor crystal nanoparticle tags (quantum dots). Described multi-target bio assays were performed in batch mode, involving significant amount of steps, connected with the possibility of human error, time and reagents consuming. Lab-on-a-chip technology offers tremendous potential for obtaining desired analytical information in a simpler, faster and cheaper way compared to traditional batch/laboratory-based technology. Particularly attractive for multiple DNA and protein recognition applications (i.e. point-of-care) is the high-throughput, automation, versatility, portability, reagent/sample economy and high-performance of such micromachined devices. Overall objective of the proposed research is to create and characterize a portable microanalyzer, based on a novel advanced Lab-on-a-Chip technology with magnetic separation and end-column quantum dots tracers voltammetric detection of multiple DNA and protein targets for point-of-care , automated, high-throughput, sensitive, selective and simultaneous assays. The new micro-total analytical system will rely on coupling of microfluidic transport of samples, effective flow-through magnetic separation complementary/non-complementary DNA and protein targets and a novel chip-based voltammetric stripping detection of quantum dot tags. To successfully complete such advanced micro-total analytical system, several fundamental and practical issues will be addressed.
Summary
The detection of DNA hybridization and protein recoginittion event (immunoassay) is very important for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases, for the detection infectious agents and for reliable forensic analysis. Recent activity has focused on the development of hybridization assays that permit simultaneous determination of multiple DNA or protein targets, using optical or electrochemical coding technology, based on unique encoding properties of semiconductor crystal nanoparticle tags (quantum dots). Described multi-target bio assays were performed in batch mode, involving significant amount of steps, connected with the possibility of human error, time and reagents consuming. Lab-on-a-chip technology offers tremendous potential for obtaining desired analytical information in a simpler, faster and cheaper way compared to traditional batch/laboratory-based technology. Particularly attractive for multiple DNA and protein recognition applications (i.e. point-of-care) is the high-throughput, automation, versatility, portability, reagent/sample economy and high-performance of such micromachined devices. Overall objective of the proposed research is to create and characterize a portable microanalyzer, based on a novel advanced Lab-on-a-Chip technology with magnetic separation and end-column quantum dots tracers voltammetric detection of multiple DNA and protein targets for point-of-care , automated, high-throughput, sensitive, selective and simultaneous assays. The new micro-total analytical system will rely on coupling of microfluidic transport of samples, effective flow-through magnetic separation complementary/non-complementary DNA and protein targets and a novel chip-based voltammetric stripping detection of quantum dot tags. To successfully complete such advanced micro-total analytical system, several fundamental and practical issues will be addressed.
Max ERC Funding
1 400 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-04-01, End date: 2015-03-31
Project acronym MINE
Project Molecular Interfacial structure and dynamics of Nanoscopic droplets in Emulsions (MINE)
Researcher (PI) Sylvie Roke
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE4, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Emulsions consist of one liquid dispersed as nanoscopic droplets in another liquid, such as milk, and butter. The understanding of the structure and stability of emulsions is commonly obtained from empirical studies in which a macroscopic parameter (like temperature or concentration of constituents) is varied. Since the work of Irving Langmuir and others (published in 1917) it is well established that the stability and properties of these nanoscopic droplets are strongly influenced by the state of the droplet interface. However, despite the abundance and importance of emulsions in our daily lives, the molecular mechanisms that dictate the stability and properties of emulsions are still unknown. This lack of insight is caused by the system itself: the condensed surrounding medium forms an impenetrable barrier to most molecular probes. Nonlinear light scattering spectroscopy, a novel method I have developed (both theoretically and experimentally), offers a way of obtaining molecular information (chemical composition, molecular orientation, ordering and chirality) of the interfaces of nanoscopic particles in solution. With this method it should be possible to observe, in-situ, non-invasively and label-free, the molecules at the interface of the nanoscopic droplets in solution. I therefore propose to form a small group that investigates interfaces of nanoscopic droplets in emulsions on the molecular level and timescale. Using femtosecond nonlinear light scattering methods we can finally observe the molecules that dictate the structure and stability of emulsions in action.
Summary
Emulsions consist of one liquid dispersed as nanoscopic droplets in another liquid, such as milk, and butter. The understanding of the structure and stability of emulsions is commonly obtained from empirical studies in which a macroscopic parameter (like temperature or concentration of constituents) is varied. Since the work of Irving Langmuir and others (published in 1917) it is well established that the stability and properties of these nanoscopic droplets are strongly influenced by the state of the droplet interface. However, despite the abundance and importance of emulsions in our daily lives, the molecular mechanisms that dictate the stability and properties of emulsions are still unknown. This lack of insight is caused by the system itself: the condensed surrounding medium forms an impenetrable barrier to most molecular probes. Nonlinear light scattering spectroscopy, a novel method I have developed (both theoretically and experimentally), offers a way of obtaining molecular information (chemical composition, molecular orientation, ordering and chirality) of the interfaces of nanoscopic particles in solution. With this method it should be possible to observe, in-situ, non-invasively and label-free, the molecules at the interface of the nanoscopic droplets in solution. I therefore propose to form a small group that investigates interfaces of nanoscopic droplets in emulsions on the molecular level and timescale. Using femtosecond nonlinear light scattering methods we can finally observe the molecules that dictate the structure and stability of emulsions in action.
Max ERC Funding
1 150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-11-01, End date: 2014-10-31
Project acronym MIRTURN
Project Mechanisms of microRNA biogenesis and turnover
Researcher (PI) Helge Grosshans
Host Institution (HI) FRIEDRICH MIESCHER INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH FONDATION
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS2, ERC-2009-StG
Summary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of genes, accounting for >1% of genes in a typical animal genome. They constitute an important layer of gene regulation that affects diverse processes such as cell differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. Despite such critical roles, deciphering the mechanism of action of miRNAs has been difficult, leading to multiple, partially contradictory, models of miRNA activity. Moreover, adding an additional layer of complexity, it is now emerging that miRNA activity is regulated by various mechanisms that we are only beginning to identify. Our objective is to understand how miRNAs are regulated under physiological conditions, in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. We will focus on pathways of miRNA turnover, an issue of fundamental importance that has received little attention because miRNAs are widely held to be highly stable molecules. However, miRNA over-accumulation causes aberrant development and disease, prompting us to test rigorously whether degradation can antagonize miRNA activity and either identify the machinery involved, or confirm the dominance of other regulatory modalities, whose components we will identify. C. elegans is the organism in which miRNAs and many components of the miRNA machinery were discovered. However, previous studies emphasized genetics and cell biology approaches, limiting the degree of mechanistic insight that could be obtained. In addition to exploiting the traditional strengths of C. elegans, we will therefore develop and apply biochemical and genomic techniques to obtain a comprehensive understanding of miRNA regulation, enabling us to demonstrate both molecular mechanisms and physiological relevance. Given the importance of miRNAs in development and disease, identifying the regulators of these tiny gene regulators will be both of scientific interest and biomedical relevance.
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of genes, accounting for >1% of genes in a typical animal genome. They constitute an important layer of gene regulation that affects diverse processes such as cell differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. Despite such critical roles, deciphering the mechanism of action of miRNAs has been difficult, leading to multiple, partially contradictory, models of miRNA activity. Moreover, adding an additional layer of complexity, it is now emerging that miRNA activity is regulated by various mechanisms that we are only beginning to identify. Our objective is to understand how miRNAs are regulated under physiological conditions, in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. We will focus on pathways of miRNA turnover, an issue of fundamental importance that has received little attention because miRNAs are widely held to be highly stable molecules. However, miRNA over-accumulation causes aberrant development and disease, prompting us to test rigorously whether degradation can antagonize miRNA activity and either identify the machinery involved, or confirm the dominance of other regulatory modalities, whose components we will identify. C. elegans is the organism in which miRNAs and many components of the miRNA machinery were discovered. However, previous studies emphasized genetics and cell biology approaches, limiting the degree of mechanistic insight that could be obtained. In addition to exploiting the traditional strengths of C. elegans, we will therefore develop and apply biochemical and genomic techniques to obtain a comprehensive understanding of miRNA regulation, enabling us to demonstrate both molecular mechanisms and physiological relevance. Given the importance of miRNAs in development and disease, identifying the regulators of these tiny gene regulators will be both of scientific interest and biomedical relevance.
Max ERC Funding
1 782 200 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-05-01, End date: 2015-04-30
Project acronym NOWIRE
Project Network Coding for Wireless Networks
Researcher (PI) Christina Fragouli
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE7, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Our goal is to develop fundamentally new architectures for wireless networks that offer the convenience of wireless communication while achieving the performance, predictability and security of wired networks. The wireless channel is inherently a shared medium characterized by limited resources and complex signal interactions between transmitted signals. The question we address is how do we transmit information over wireless and how do we exploit the wireless channel properties to share its resources. Ours is a fundamentally different approach to existing strategies, that builds on new physical and packet layer sharing and cooperation paradigms that we have been working on, to extract the optimal throughput and reliability performance from the wireless medium. These are recent breakthroughs in (i) network coding and (ii) wireless cooperation. Network coding is a new area bringing a novel paradigm for network information flow that enables cooperation at a packet level to optimally share the network resources. Deployment of the first network coding ideas in wireless have already indicated benefits as large as a factor of ten in terms of throughput. Complex signal interactions caused by the inherent broadcast nature of wireless channels, is traditionally viewed as an impediment to be mitigated. Recently it has been demonstrated that one can utilize interference to develop cooperation at the wireless signal level (physical layer) for arbitrary wireless networks. This can give significant capacity advantages over techniques that mitigate interference. Both these ideas can radically affect the way information is communicated, stored and collected, and can revolutionize the design of future wireless networks. In this project we plan to addess several fundamental questions that develop on these themes. We take a complete view of these ideas by not only developing the underlying theory but also through validation on wireless testbeds.
Summary
Our goal is to develop fundamentally new architectures for wireless networks that offer the convenience of wireless communication while achieving the performance, predictability and security of wired networks. The wireless channel is inherently a shared medium characterized by limited resources and complex signal interactions between transmitted signals. The question we address is how do we transmit information over wireless and how do we exploit the wireless channel properties to share its resources. Ours is a fundamentally different approach to existing strategies, that builds on new physical and packet layer sharing and cooperation paradigms that we have been working on, to extract the optimal throughput and reliability performance from the wireless medium. These are recent breakthroughs in (i) network coding and (ii) wireless cooperation. Network coding is a new area bringing a novel paradigm for network information flow that enables cooperation at a packet level to optimally share the network resources. Deployment of the first network coding ideas in wireless have already indicated benefits as large as a factor of ten in terms of throughput. Complex signal interactions caused by the inherent broadcast nature of wireless channels, is traditionally viewed as an impediment to be mitigated. Recently it has been demonstrated that one can utilize interference to develop cooperation at the wireless signal level (physical layer) for arbitrary wireless networks. This can give significant capacity advantages over techniques that mitigate interference. Both these ideas can radically affect the way information is communicated, stored and collected, and can revolutionize the design of future wireless networks. In this project we plan to addess several fundamental questions that develop on these themes. We take a complete view of these ideas by not only developing the underlying theory but also through validation on wireless testbeds.
Max ERC Funding
1 771 520 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-09-01, End date: 2014-08-31
Project acronym ORGELNANOCARBMATER
Project A Universal Supramolecular Approach toward Organic Electronic Materials and Nanostructured Carbonaceous Materials from Molecular Precursors
Researcher (PI) Holger Frauenrath
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Research in novel energy sources, efficient energy storage, sustainable chemical technology, and smaller microelectronic devices with interfaces for biological systems are among the current challenges in science and technology. Carbonaceous materials and organic electronic materials which speak the language of biomaterials will play a central role in the search for possible solutions. We aim to develop a universal supramolecular approach for their preparation and propose to develop synthetic pathways toward conjugated oligomers carrying hydrogen-bonded substituents, such as oligopeptide-polymer conjugates. These substituents serve as a supramolecular motif promoting the aggregation of the molecular precursors into single crystals, thin films, or soluble one-dimensional nanostructures. The obtained ordered phases or nanostructures from conjugated molecules themselves are highly interesting candidates for applications in photovoltaic, light-emitting, or semiconducting devices. Related nanostructures from oligo(phenylene)s or oligo(ethynylene)s will serve as reactive molecular precursors for a conversion into soluble graphene ribbon nanostructures. Finally, this approach will be extended toward the preparation of carbonaceous materials from amphiphilic oligo(ethynylene)s as energy-rich molecular precursors under preservation of the mesoscopic morphology, surface chemistry, and carbon microstructure. The obtained materials are highly interesting with respect to ion or hydrogen storage, and transition-metal-free catalysis. Hence, this research project aims to combine synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and materials science in order to both deliver novel materials and improve our understanding in utilizing supramolecular-synthetic methods in their preparation.
Summary
Research in novel energy sources, efficient energy storage, sustainable chemical technology, and smaller microelectronic devices with interfaces for biological systems are among the current challenges in science and technology. Carbonaceous materials and organic electronic materials which speak the language of biomaterials will play a central role in the search for possible solutions. We aim to develop a universal supramolecular approach for their preparation and propose to develop synthetic pathways toward conjugated oligomers carrying hydrogen-bonded substituents, such as oligopeptide-polymer conjugates. These substituents serve as a supramolecular motif promoting the aggregation of the molecular precursors into single crystals, thin films, or soluble one-dimensional nanostructures. The obtained ordered phases or nanostructures from conjugated molecules themselves are highly interesting candidates for applications in photovoltaic, light-emitting, or semiconducting devices. Related nanostructures from oligo(phenylene)s or oligo(ethynylene)s will serve as reactive molecular precursors for a conversion into soluble graphene ribbon nanostructures. Finally, this approach will be extended toward the preparation of carbonaceous materials from amphiphilic oligo(ethynylene)s as energy-rich molecular precursors under preservation of the mesoscopic morphology, surface chemistry, and carbon microstructure. The obtained materials are highly interesting with respect to ion or hydrogen storage, and transition-metal-free catalysis. Hence, this research project aims to combine synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and materials science in order to both deliver novel materials and improve our understanding in utilizing supramolecular-synthetic methods in their preparation.
Max ERC Funding
1 700 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-09-01, End date: 2014-08-31
Project acronym PLANETOGENESIS
Project Building the next generation of planet formation models: protoplanetary disks, internal structure, and formation of planetary systems
Researcher (PI) Yann Alibert
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAET BERN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE9, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The discovery of extra-solar planetary systems with properties so different from those of our own Solar System has overturned our theoretical understanding of how planets and planetary systems form. Indeed, planet formation models have to link observations of two classes of objects: Protoplanetary disk, whose structure and early evolution provide the initial conditions of planets formation, and actual detected planets. The observational knowledge of these two classes of objects will see in the near future dramatic improvements, with three major breakthroughs: 1) high angular resolution observations will tightly constrain the structure and early evolution of protoplanetary disks, 2) direct observation of extrasolar planets will allow to understand their internal structure as well as their formation process, and 3) detection of very low mass extrasolar planets will constrain the mass function of planets and planetary systems, down to the terrestrial planet regime The goal of this project is to develop a theoretical understanding of planet formation that quantitatively stands up to these observational confrontations. For this, we will build on the basis of first generation planet formation models developed at the time the PI was assistant at the Physikalisches Institute of the University of Berne. The PI, a PhD student, and a Postdoc will conduct three inter-related sub-projects linked to the three breakthroughs mentioned above: A) improving the disk part of planet formation models, B) determining the internal structure of forming planets, including the effects of accretion shocks and envelope pollution by infalling planetesimals, and calculating their early evolution, and C) building planetary system formation models, including both gas giant and low mass rocky planets.
Summary
The discovery of extra-solar planetary systems with properties so different from those of our own Solar System has overturned our theoretical understanding of how planets and planetary systems form. Indeed, planet formation models have to link observations of two classes of objects: Protoplanetary disk, whose structure and early evolution provide the initial conditions of planets formation, and actual detected planets. The observational knowledge of these two classes of objects will see in the near future dramatic improvements, with three major breakthroughs: 1) high angular resolution observations will tightly constrain the structure and early evolution of protoplanetary disks, 2) direct observation of extrasolar planets will allow to understand their internal structure as well as their formation process, and 3) detection of very low mass extrasolar planets will constrain the mass function of planets and planetary systems, down to the terrestrial planet regime The goal of this project is to develop a theoretical understanding of planet formation that quantitatively stands up to these observational confrontations. For this, we will build on the basis of first generation planet formation models developed at the time the PI was assistant at the Physikalisches Institute of the University of Berne. The PI, a PhD student, and a Postdoc will conduct three inter-related sub-projects linked to the three breakthroughs mentioned above: A) improving the disk part of planet formation models, B) determining the internal structure of forming planets, including the effects of accretion shocks and envelope pollution by infalling planetesimals, and calculating their early evolution, and C) building planetary system formation models, including both gas giant and low mass rocky planets.
Max ERC Funding
1 395 323 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2015-11-30
Project acronym RECONMET
Project Reconstruction of methane flux from lakes: development and application of a new approach
Researcher (PI) Oliver Heiri
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAET BERN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE10, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Reconstruction of methane flux from lakes: development and application of a new approach
Summary
Reconstruction of methane flux from lakes: development and application of a new approach
Max ERC Funding
1 554 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-12-01, End date: 2014-11-30
Project acronym SEXGENTRANSEVOLUTION
Project Sex-biased genome and transcriptome evolution in mammals
Researcher (PI) Henrik Kaessmann
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS2, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Mammalian males and females have many phenotypic differences. These differences, collectively referred to as sexual dimorphism, are the consequence of natural and sexual selection for phenotypic traits that affect the fitness of each sex and are encoded in the genome. Part of the underlying genomic differences between the sexes are found on sex specific (the Y) or sex biased chromosomes (the X), while many sexually dimorphic traits probably result from autosomal gene expression differences in sex specific or somatic tissues. However, the origin and evolution of sex-biased genes in mammals has not been studied in detail. I propose to generate the first detailed qualitative and quantitative transcriptome data using next generation sequencing technologies for a unique collection of germline and somatic tissues from representatives of all major mammalian lineages: placental mammals, marsupials, and the egg-laying monotremes. Together with detailed transcriptome data from birds (the evolutionary sister lineage), complementary experiments (e.g. methylome analyses), and available genomic resources from these species, these unprecedented data will allow an integrated analysis of the origin and functional evolution of mammalian sex chromosomes, the emergence of new sex biased genes, and the evolution of gene expression in germline versus somatic tissues in mammals at large. The proposed work will thus substantially increase our power to understand how mammalian genomes evolved the capacity to produce such pronounced sexually dimorphic traits. Beyond research pertaining to sex biased genome evolution, our data will represent a unique resource for future investigations of mammalian gene functions and serve as a basis for exploring the evolution of other mammal specific phenotypes.
Summary
Mammalian males and females have many phenotypic differences. These differences, collectively referred to as sexual dimorphism, are the consequence of natural and sexual selection for phenotypic traits that affect the fitness of each sex and are encoded in the genome. Part of the underlying genomic differences between the sexes are found on sex specific (the Y) or sex biased chromosomes (the X), while many sexually dimorphic traits probably result from autosomal gene expression differences in sex specific or somatic tissues. However, the origin and evolution of sex-biased genes in mammals has not been studied in detail. I propose to generate the first detailed qualitative and quantitative transcriptome data using next generation sequencing technologies for a unique collection of germline and somatic tissues from representatives of all major mammalian lineages: placental mammals, marsupials, and the egg-laying monotremes. Together with detailed transcriptome data from birds (the evolutionary sister lineage), complementary experiments (e.g. methylome analyses), and available genomic resources from these species, these unprecedented data will allow an integrated analysis of the origin and functional evolution of mammalian sex chromosomes, the emergence of new sex biased genes, and the evolution of gene expression in germline versus somatic tissues in mammals at large. The proposed work will thus substantially increase our power to understand how mammalian genomes evolved the capacity to produce such pronounced sexually dimorphic traits. Beyond research pertaining to sex biased genome evolution, our data will represent a unique resource for future investigations of mammalian gene functions and serve as a basis for exploring the evolution of other mammal specific phenotypes.
Max ERC Funding
1 901 522 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2015-01-31