Project acronym Allelic Regulation
Project Revealing Allele-level Regulation and Dynamics using Single-cell Gene Expression Analyses
Researcher (PI) Thore Rickard Hakan Sandberg
Host Institution (HI) KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), LS2, ERC-2014-CoG
Summary As diploid organisms inherit one gene copy from each parent, a gene can be expressed from both alleles (biallelic) or from only one allele (monoallelic). Although transcription from both alleles is detected for most genes in cell population experiments, little is known about allele-specific expression in single cells and its phenotypic consequences. To answer fundamental questions about allelic transcription heterogeneity in single cells, this research program will focus on single-cell transcriptome analyses with allelic-origin resolution. To this end, we will investigate both clonally stable and dynamic random monoallelic expression across a large number of cell types, including cells from embryonic and adult stages. This research program will be accomplished with the novel single-cell RNA-seq method developed within my lab to obtain quantitative, genome-wide gene expression measurement. To distinguish between mitotically stable and dynamic patterns of allelic expression, we will analyze large numbers a clonally related cells per cell type, from both primary cultures (in vitro) and using transgenic models to obtain clonally related cells in vivo.
The biological significance of the research program is first an understanding of allelic transcription, including the nature and extent of random monoallelic expression across in vivo tissues and cell types. These novel insights into allelic transcription will be important for an improved understanding of how variable phenotypes (e.g. incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity) can arise in genetically identical individuals. Additionally, the single-cell transcriptome analyses of clonally related cells in vivo will provide unique insights into the clonality of gene expression per se.
Summary
As diploid organisms inherit one gene copy from each parent, a gene can be expressed from both alleles (biallelic) or from only one allele (monoallelic). Although transcription from both alleles is detected for most genes in cell population experiments, little is known about allele-specific expression in single cells and its phenotypic consequences. To answer fundamental questions about allelic transcription heterogeneity in single cells, this research program will focus on single-cell transcriptome analyses with allelic-origin resolution. To this end, we will investigate both clonally stable and dynamic random monoallelic expression across a large number of cell types, including cells from embryonic and adult stages. This research program will be accomplished with the novel single-cell RNA-seq method developed within my lab to obtain quantitative, genome-wide gene expression measurement. To distinguish between mitotically stable and dynamic patterns of allelic expression, we will analyze large numbers a clonally related cells per cell type, from both primary cultures (in vitro) and using transgenic models to obtain clonally related cells in vivo.
The biological significance of the research program is first an understanding of allelic transcription, including the nature and extent of random monoallelic expression across in vivo tissues and cell types. These novel insights into allelic transcription will be important for an improved understanding of how variable phenotypes (e.g. incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity) can arise in genetically identical individuals. Additionally, the single-cell transcriptome analyses of clonally related cells in vivo will provide unique insights into the clonality of gene expression per se.
Max ERC Funding
1 923 060 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-07-01, End date: 2020-06-30
Project acronym BATESON
Project Dissecting genotype-phenotype relationships using high-throughput genomics and carefully selected study populations
Researcher (PI) Leif Andersson
Host Institution (HI) UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), LS2, ERC-2011-ADG_20110310
Summary A major aim in genome research is to reveal how genetic variation affects phenotypic variation. Here I propose to use high-throughput genomics (whole genome sequencing, transcriptome and epigenome analysis) to screen carefully selected study populations where the chances are particularly favourable to obtain novel insight into genotype-phenotype relationships. The ambition is to take discoveries all the way from phenotypic characterization to the identification of the genes and the actual genetic variant causing a phenotypic effect and to understanding the underlying functional mechanisms. The program will involve a fish (the Atlantic herring), a bird (the domestic chicken) and a mammal (the European rabbit). The Atlantic herring will be studied because it provides unique opportunities to study the genetics of adaptation in a natural population and because of the possibilities to revolutionize the fishery management of this economically important marine fish. We will generate a draft assembly of the herring genome and then perform whole genome resequencing of different populations to reveal the population structure and the loci underlying genetic adaptation. The European rabbit is an excellent model for studying the genetics of speciation due to the presence of two distinct subspecies on the Iberian Peninsula. The domestication of the rabbit is also particularly interesting because it is a recent event (about 1500 years ago) and it is well established that domestication happened from the wild rabbit population in southern France. Finally, the domestic chicken provides excellent opportunities for in depth functional studies since it is both a domestic animal harbouring a rich genetic diversity and an experimental organism.
(BATESON is the acronym for this proposal because Bateson (1902) pioneered the study of genotype-phenotype relationships in animals and used the chicken for this work.)
Summary
A major aim in genome research is to reveal how genetic variation affects phenotypic variation. Here I propose to use high-throughput genomics (whole genome sequencing, transcriptome and epigenome analysis) to screen carefully selected study populations where the chances are particularly favourable to obtain novel insight into genotype-phenotype relationships. The ambition is to take discoveries all the way from phenotypic characterization to the identification of the genes and the actual genetic variant causing a phenotypic effect and to understanding the underlying functional mechanisms. The program will involve a fish (the Atlantic herring), a bird (the domestic chicken) and a mammal (the European rabbit). The Atlantic herring will be studied because it provides unique opportunities to study the genetics of adaptation in a natural population and because of the possibilities to revolutionize the fishery management of this economically important marine fish. We will generate a draft assembly of the herring genome and then perform whole genome resequencing of different populations to reveal the population structure and the loci underlying genetic adaptation. The European rabbit is an excellent model for studying the genetics of speciation due to the presence of two distinct subspecies on the Iberian Peninsula. The domestication of the rabbit is also particularly interesting because it is a recent event (about 1500 years ago) and it is well established that domestication happened from the wild rabbit population in southern France. Finally, the domestic chicken provides excellent opportunities for in depth functional studies since it is both a domestic animal harbouring a rich genetic diversity and an experimental organism.
(BATESON is the acronym for this proposal because Bateson (1902) pioneered the study of genotype-phenotype relationships in animals and used the chicken for this work.)
Max ERC Funding
2 300 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-05-01, End date: 2017-04-30
Project acronym BIGGER
Project Biophysics in gene regulation - A genome wide approach
Researcher (PI) Johan Elf
Host Institution (HI) UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), LS2, ERC-2019-ADG
Summary In this project, we will develop and use technology that combines synthetic genomics and live-cell imaging. These methods make it possible to study the intracellular biophysics at single-molecule detail in thousands of genetically different bacterial strains in parallel. Our approach is based on in situ genotyping of a barcoded strain library after phenotyping has been performed by live-cell imaging. Within the scope of the proposed project, the new technology will be used to solve mechanistic and structural questions of the bacterial cell cycle.
To this end, we will explore two parallel but complementary applications. In the first application, we will determine the dynamic 3D structure of the E. coli chromosome at 1kb resolution throughout the cell cycle. The structure determination can be seen as a live-cell version of chromatin conformation capture, where we will follow the 3D distances of 10 000 pairs of chromosomal loci over the cell cycle at high resolution. In the second application, we will make a complete CRISPRi knockdown strain library where we can follow the replication forks of the E. coli chromosome and septum formation over the cell cycle in individual cells. Using this strategy, we will resolve how individual gene products contribute to the cell-to-cell accuracy in replication initiation and cell division. In particular, this approach allows us to address the challenging question of size sensing at replication initiation. How the cell can decide that it is large enough to initiate replication is still an open question despite decades of investigations.
The general principles for high-end imaging of pool-synthesized cell libraries have nearly unlimited applications throughout cell biology. The specific applications explored in this project will take the understanding of the bacterial cell cycle to a new level and answer general questions about the chromosomal organization and cell size sensing.
Summary
In this project, we will develop and use technology that combines synthetic genomics and live-cell imaging. These methods make it possible to study the intracellular biophysics at single-molecule detail in thousands of genetically different bacterial strains in parallel. Our approach is based on in situ genotyping of a barcoded strain library after phenotyping has been performed by live-cell imaging. Within the scope of the proposed project, the new technology will be used to solve mechanistic and structural questions of the bacterial cell cycle.
To this end, we will explore two parallel but complementary applications. In the first application, we will determine the dynamic 3D structure of the E. coli chromosome at 1kb resolution throughout the cell cycle. The structure determination can be seen as a live-cell version of chromatin conformation capture, where we will follow the 3D distances of 10 000 pairs of chromosomal loci over the cell cycle at high resolution. In the second application, we will make a complete CRISPRi knockdown strain library where we can follow the replication forks of the E. coli chromosome and septum formation over the cell cycle in individual cells. Using this strategy, we will resolve how individual gene products contribute to the cell-to-cell accuracy in replication initiation and cell division. In particular, this approach allows us to address the challenging question of size sensing at replication initiation. How the cell can decide that it is large enough to initiate replication is still an open question despite decades of investigations.
The general principles for high-end imaging of pool-synthesized cell libraries have nearly unlimited applications throughout cell biology. The specific applications explored in this project will take the understanding of the bacterial cell cycle to a new level and answer general questions about the chromosomal organization and cell size sensing.
Max ERC Funding
2 411 410 €
Duration
Start date: 2020-09-01, End date: 2025-08-31
Project acronym BRAINCELL
Project Charting the landscape of brain development by large-scale single-cell transcriptomics and phylogenetic lineage reconstruction
Researcher (PI) Sten Linnarsson
Host Institution (HI) KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS2, ERC-2010-StG_20091118
Summary Embryogenesis is the temporal unfolding of cellular processes: proliferation, migration, differentiation, morphogenesis, apoptosis and functional specialization. These processes are well understood in specific tissues, and for specific cell types. Nevertheless, our systematic knowledge of the types of cells present in the developing and adult animal, and about their functional and lineage relationships, is limited. For example, there is no consensus on the number of cell types, and many important stem cells and progenitors remain to be discovered. Similarly, the lineage relationships between specific cell types are often poorly characterized. This is particularly true for the mammalian nervous system. We have developed (1) a reliable high-throghput method for sequencing all transcripts in 96 single cells at a time; and (2) a system for high-throughput phylogenetic lineage reconstruction. We now propose to characterize embryogenesis using a shotgun approach borrowed from genomics. Tissues will be dissected from multiple stages and dissociated to single cells. A total of 10,000 cells will be analyzed by RNA sequencing, revealing their functional cell type, their lineage relationships, and their current state (e.g. cell cycle phase). The novel approach proposed here will bring the powerful strategies pioneered in genomics into the field of developmental biology, including automation, digitization, and the random shotgun method. The data thus obtained will bring clarity to the concept of ‘cell type’; will provide a first catalog of mouse brain cell types with deep functional annotation; will provide markers for every cell type, including stem cells; and will serve as a basis for future comparative work, especially with human embryos.
Summary
Embryogenesis is the temporal unfolding of cellular processes: proliferation, migration, differentiation, morphogenesis, apoptosis and functional specialization. These processes are well understood in specific tissues, and for specific cell types. Nevertheless, our systematic knowledge of the types of cells present in the developing and adult animal, and about their functional and lineage relationships, is limited. For example, there is no consensus on the number of cell types, and many important stem cells and progenitors remain to be discovered. Similarly, the lineage relationships between specific cell types are often poorly characterized. This is particularly true for the mammalian nervous system. We have developed (1) a reliable high-throghput method for sequencing all transcripts in 96 single cells at a time; and (2) a system for high-throughput phylogenetic lineage reconstruction. We now propose to characterize embryogenesis using a shotgun approach borrowed from genomics. Tissues will be dissected from multiple stages and dissociated to single cells. A total of 10,000 cells will be analyzed by RNA sequencing, revealing their functional cell type, their lineage relationships, and their current state (e.g. cell cycle phase). The novel approach proposed here will bring the powerful strategies pioneered in genomics into the field of developmental biology, including automation, digitization, and the random shotgun method. The data thus obtained will bring clarity to the concept of ‘cell type’; will provide a first catalog of mouse brain cell types with deep functional annotation; will provide markers for every cell type, including stem cells; and will serve as a basis for future comparative work, especially with human embryos.
Max ERC Funding
1 496 032 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym FLOWGENE
Project Following the Genomic Footprints of Early Europeans
Researcher (PI) Bo Mattias Jakobsson
Host Institution (HI) UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS2, ERC-2012-StG_20111109
Summary Two of greatest challenges of the post-genomic era are to (i) develop a detailed understanding of the heritable variation in the human genome, and to (ii) determine which key events in human evolutionary history that are responsible for patterns of genomic variation. The recent genomic revolution will be instrumental in these quests and we will very soon have access to several thousand complete genomes from diverse populations.
Extracting genetic information from ancient material has for long been hampered by numerous difficulties after its first steps some two decades ago, but in the last few years, many of these problems have been solved and the use of ancient DNA is now beginning to show its full potential. The use of ancient DNA has been announced among the top-ten ‘insights of the decade’ by Science, and promises to transform our views on human origins and prehistory.
The demographic history of Europeans attracts great interest in archaeology, anthropology, and human genetics, and it has drawn extensive research focus for more than a century. The recent genomic revolution has opened up the time dimension for genomic analyses, however, to harness the full potential of genomic data from modern and ancient material, we need new population genetic theory and modern statistical analysis tools. I propose to conduct 3 Ancient Genome Projects to generate complete genomes for multiple individuals from 3 time epochs in the European prehistory; the Cro-Magnon-, the Mesolithic-, and the Neolithic-Genome project. These Genome Projects will proceed in concert with development a) new population genetic theory and novel tools for demographic inference, b) a novel, temporal based, framework for characterizing selection and local adaptation, and c) explore the evolutionary history of gene-variants associated with traits and diseases. Genomic data from temporal samples has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of human evolution and the demographic history of Europe.
Summary
Two of greatest challenges of the post-genomic era are to (i) develop a detailed understanding of the heritable variation in the human genome, and to (ii) determine which key events in human evolutionary history that are responsible for patterns of genomic variation. The recent genomic revolution will be instrumental in these quests and we will very soon have access to several thousand complete genomes from diverse populations.
Extracting genetic information from ancient material has for long been hampered by numerous difficulties after its first steps some two decades ago, but in the last few years, many of these problems have been solved and the use of ancient DNA is now beginning to show its full potential. The use of ancient DNA has been announced among the top-ten ‘insights of the decade’ by Science, and promises to transform our views on human origins and prehistory.
The demographic history of Europeans attracts great interest in archaeology, anthropology, and human genetics, and it has drawn extensive research focus for more than a century. The recent genomic revolution has opened up the time dimension for genomic analyses, however, to harness the full potential of genomic data from modern and ancient material, we need new population genetic theory and modern statistical analysis tools. I propose to conduct 3 Ancient Genome Projects to generate complete genomes for multiple individuals from 3 time epochs in the European prehistory; the Cro-Magnon-, the Mesolithic-, and the Neolithic-Genome project. These Genome Projects will proceed in concert with development a) new population genetic theory and novel tools for demographic inference, b) a novel, temporal based, framework for characterizing selection and local adaptation, and c) explore the evolutionary history of gene-variants associated with traits and diseases. Genomic data from temporal samples has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of human evolution and the demographic history of Europe.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-10-01, End date: 2017-09-30
Project acronym GENOMIS
Project Illuminating GENome Organization through integrated MIcroscopy and Sequencing
Researcher (PI) Marzena Magda BIENKO
Host Institution (HI) KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS2, ERC-2016-STG
Summary In human cells, two meters of DNA sequence are compressed into a nucleus whose linear size is five orders of magnitude smaller. Deciphering how this amazing structural organization is achieved and how DNA functions can ensue in the environment of a cell’s nucleus represent central questions for contemporary biology.
Here, I embrace this challenge by establishing a comprehensive framework of microscopy and sequencing technologies coupled with advanced analytical approaches, aimed at addressing three fundamental highly-interconnected questions: 1) What are the design principles that govern DNA compaction? 2) How does genome structure vary between different cell types as well as among cells of the same type? 3) What is the link between genome structure and function? In preliminary experiments, we have devised a powerful method for Genomic loci Positioning by Sequencing (GPSeq) in fixed cells with optimally preserved nuclear morphology. In parallel, we are developing high-end microscopy tools for simultaneous localization of dozens of genomic locations at high resolution in thousands of single cells.
We will obtain first-ever genome-wide maps of radial positioning of DNA loci in the nucleus, and combine them with available DNA contact probability maps in order to build 3D models of the human genome structure in different cell types. Using microscopy, we will visualize chromosomal shapes at unprecedented resolution, and use these rich datasets to discover general DNA folding principles. Finally, by combining high-resolution chromosome visualization with gene expression profiling in single cells, we will explore the link between DNA structure and function. Our study shall illuminate the design principles that dictate how genetic information is packed and read in the human nucleus, while providing a comprehensive repertoire of tools for studying genome organization.
Summary
In human cells, two meters of DNA sequence are compressed into a nucleus whose linear size is five orders of magnitude smaller. Deciphering how this amazing structural organization is achieved and how DNA functions can ensue in the environment of a cell’s nucleus represent central questions for contemporary biology.
Here, I embrace this challenge by establishing a comprehensive framework of microscopy and sequencing technologies coupled with advanced analytical approaches, aimed at addressing three fundamental highly-interconnected questions: 1) What are the design principles that govern DNA compaction? 2) How does genome structure vary between different cell types as well as among cells of the same type? 3) What is the link between genome structure and function? In preliminary experiments, we have devised a powerful method for Genomic loci Positioning by Sequencing (GPSeq) in fixed cells with optimally preserved nuclear morphology. In parallel, we are developing high-end microscopy tools for simultaneous localization of dozens of genomic locations at high resolution in thousands of single cells.
We will obtain first-ever genome-wide maps of radial positioning of DNA loci in the nucleus, and combine them with available DNA contact probability maps in order to build 3D models of the human genome structure in different cell types. Using microscopy, we will visualize chromosomal shapes at unprecedented resolution, and use these rich datasets to discover general DNA folding principles. Finally, by combining high-resolution chromosome visualization with gene expression profiling in single cells, we will explore the link between DNA structure and function. Our study shall illuminate the design principles that dictate how genetic information is packed and read in the human nucleus, while providing a comprehensive repertoire of tools for studying genome organization.
Max ERC Funding
1 499 808 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-01-01, End date: 2022-12-31
Project acronym GENOVAR
Project Sequence based strategies to identify genetic variation associated with mental retardation and schizophrenia
Researcher (PI) Lars Feuk
Host Institution (HI) UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS2, ERC-2011-StG_20101109
Summary Mental retardation (MR) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are disorders of the brain that affect 2-3% and 1% of the population, respectively. Both disorders are considered to be highly heritable, but exhibit heterogeneous genetic etiology. Recent genetic studies have led to discoveries that the same variants that can give rise to different neuropsychiatric disorders, including MR and SCZ. In this proposal, sequencing will be used to identify novel genes involved in MR and SCZ, and to explore the potential overlap between these disorders. The specific goals of the research plan include:
1. Genetic characterization of patients from large pedigrees with SCZ and MR.
Five pedigrees have been collected in which multiple individuals are affected by SCZ or MR. The pedigrees vary in size, with the largest spanning 12 generations including 3,400 individuals. Exome and whole genome sequencing will be performed to identify the genetic variants associated with disease. Candidate genes identified will be screened in large independent cohorts of MR and SCZ patients. In addition, RNA sequencing will be performed on cell lines established for patients and controls from two of the pedigrees.
2. Screening of trios to identify novel genes causing MR
Mental retardation (MR) patients are typically referred for array-based analysis. With current genetic screening using microarray, a clinically significant rearrangement is identified in 15-20% of patients. I propose use high throughput sequencing to screen MR patients and their parents with the goal of identifying new MR genes and to investigate to what extent the diagnostic yield can be increased.
By combining sequencing, bioinformatics and carefully selected clinical material, the work presented in this proposal will lead to an increased understanding of disease mechanisms and enable the development of novel targets and strategies for molecular diagnostic screening.
Summary
Mental retardation (MR) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are disorders of the brain that affect 2-3% and 1% of the population, respectively. Both disorders are considered to be highly heritable, but exhibit heterogeneous genetic etiology. Recent genetic studies have led to discoveries that the same variants that can give rise to different neuropsychiatric disorders, including MR and SCZ. In this proposal, sequencing will be used to identify novel genes involved in MR and SCZ, and to explore the potential overlap between these disorders. The specific goals of the research plan include:
1. Genetic characterization of patients from large pedigrees with SCZ and MR.
Five pedigrees have been collected in which multiple individuals are affected by SCZ or MR. The pedigrees vary in size, with the largest spanning 12 generations including 3,400 individuals. Exome and whole genome sequencing will be performed to identify the genetic variants associated with disease. Candidate genes identified will be screened in large independent cohorts of MR and SCZ patients. In addition, RNA sequencing will be performed on cell lines established for patients and controls from two of the pedigrees.
2. Screening of trios to identify novel genes causing MR
Mental retardation (MR) patients are typically referred for array-based analysis. With current genetic screening using microarray, a clinically significant rearrangement is identified in 15-20% of patients. I propose use high throughput sequencing to screen MR patients and their parents with the goal of identifying new MR genes and to investigate to what extent the diagnostic yield can be increased.
By combining sequencing, bioinformatics and carefully selected clinical material, the work presented in this proposal will lead to an increased understanding of disease mechanisms and enable the development of novel targets and strategies for molecular diagnostic screening.
Max ERC Funding
1 496 574 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-08-01, End date: 2017-07-31
Project acronym GROWTHCONTROL
Project Dissecting the transcriptional mechanisms controlling growth during normal development and cancer
Researcher (PI) Anssi Jussi Nikolai Taipale
Host Institution (HI) KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), LS2, ERC-2008-AdG
Summary The main scientific questions addressed in this proposal relate to the understanding of molecular mechanisms of growth control and cancer through the combined use of high-throughput technologies and computational biology. We aim to create a systems-level understanding of the cell cycle, and its regulation by physiological growth factors and oncogenes through the use high-throughput biology to identify all or the majority of genes that are essential for cell cycle progression, and by combining this dataset with computationally predicted and experimentally validated target genes of growth factors and oncogenic pathways. In my opinion, such systems biology approach is critical for understanding of growth control, as organ-specific growth control has proven particularly refractory to genetic dissection. Much of what we know about physiological mechanisms controlling cellular growth in mammals has been revealed by human cancer genetics. These studies have revealed that a large number of genes can contribute to aberrant cell growth; there are more than 300 genes that have been linked to cancer, and mutations found in cancer are often cell type specific ( oncogene preference , i.e. PTCH mutations in medulloblastoma, APC in colon cancer, TMPRSS2-ERG in prostate cancer), suggesting that different pathways in different cell lineages are coupled to the cell cycle machinery. We have preliminary evidence that hedgehog (Hh) and Wnt signals are directly coupled to expression of N-myc and c-Myc genes, but only in tissues and cell-types that display a proliferative response to these factors. Both classical molecular and developmental biology as well as high throughput and systems biological methods will be used for dissection of the molecular mechanism of this selectivity. If successful, these experiments would establish a principle explaining why particular mutations are extremely common in some tumor types but not found at all in others.
Summary
The main scientific questions addressed in this proposal relate to the understanding of molecular mechanisms of growth control and cancer through the combined use of high-throughput technologies and computational biology. We aim to create a systems-level understanding of the cell cycle, and its regulation by physiological growth factors and oncogenes through the use high-throughput biology to identify all or the majority of genes that are essential for cell cycle progression, and by combining this dataset with computationally predicted and experimentally validated target genes of growth factors and oncogenic pathways. In my opinion, such systems biology approach is critical for understanding of growth control, as organ-specific growth control has proven particularly refractory to genetic dissection. Much of what we know about physiological mechanisms controlling cellular growth in mammals has been revealed by human cancer genetics. These studies have revealed that a large number of genes can contribute to aberrant cell growth; there are more than 300 genes that have been linked to cancer, and mutations found in cancer are often cell type specific ( oncogene preference , i.e. PTCH mutations in medulloblastoma, APC in colon cancer, TMPRSS2-ERG in prostate cancer), suggesting that different pathways in different cell lineages are coupled to the cell cycle machinery. We have preliminary evidence that hedgehog (Hh) and Wnt signals are directly coupled to expression of N-myc and c-Myc genes, but only in tissues and cell-types that display a proliferative response to these factors. Both classical molecular and developmental biology as well as high throughput and systems biological methods will be used for dissection of the molecular mechanism of this selectivity. If successful, these experiments would establish a principle explaining why particular mutations are extremely common in some tumor types but not found at all in others.
Max ERC Funding
2 200 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-03-01, End date: 2014-02-28
Project acronym K9GENES
Project Mapping canine genes and pathways to leverage personalized treatment options
Researcher (PI) Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
Host Institution (HI) UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS2, ERC-2012-StG_20111109
Summary The domestic dog encompasses hundreds of genetically isolated breeds, many of which show an increased risk for certain diseases. With the canine genome sequence, an understanding of the haplotype structure and availability of disease gene mapping tools, we are now in a unique position to map canine disease genes to inform human biology and medicine. So far we have mapped monogenic traits as well as >40 loci for >10 complex traits. We now propose to map genes for key diseases using many breeds to dissect a larger number of genes underlying the specific disease. We further plan to evaluate the functional consequences of mutations and pilot personalized treatment strategies based on genetic risk. The specific aims are:
1.Characterization of disease phenotypes, breed predisposition and sample acquisition. We are currently collecting samples from >20 diseases and will expand our phenotypic classification and sample collection to a larger number of breeds for some key diseases such as osteosarcoma, breast cancer, behavior and atopy or lymphocytic thyroiditis.
2.Identification and functional characterization of canine disease genes and pathways. We will perform genomewide association mapping followed by targeted resequencing for mutation detection. Pathway analysis will be performed to understand the disease mechanisms mostly contributing to the disease. For select mutations, we will use state of the art molecular biology to provide detailed functional characterization of selected genes revealed by our gene discovery platform.
3.Piloting canine personalized treatment strategies based on inherited risk factors.
For a few diseases we will pilot personalized treatment strategies based on inherited risk factors, utilizing the genetic information gathered in aim 2. Available or novel drugs acting on the identified pathways will be tested in dogs with specific risk factors using a veterinary network for clinical trials.
Knowledge gained should inform human personalized medicine.
Summary
The domestic dog encompasses hundreds of genetically isolated breeds, many of which show an increased risk for certain diseases. With the canine genome sequence, an understanding of the haplotype structure and availability of disease gene mapping tools, we are now in a unique position to map canine disease genes to inform human biology and medicine. So far we have mapped monogenic traits as well as >40 loci for >10 complex traits. We now propose to map genes for key diseases using many breeds to dissect a larger number of genes underlying the specific disease. We further plan to evaluate the functional consequences of mutations and pilot personalized treatment strategies based on genetic risk. The specific aims are:
1.Characterization of disease phenotypes, breed predisposition and sample acquisition. We are currently collecting samples from >20 diseases and will expand our phenotypic classification and sample collection to a larger number of breeds for some key diseases such as osteosarcoma, breast cancer, behavior and atopy or lymphocytic thyroiditis.
2.Identification and functional characterization of canine disease genes and pathways. We will perform genomewide association mapping followed by targeted resequencing for mutation detection. Pathway analysis will be performed to understand the disease mechanisms mostly contributing to the disease. For select mutations, we will use state of the art molecular biology to provide detailed functional characterization of selected genes revealed by our gene discovery platform.
3.Piloting canine personalized treatment strategies based on inherited risk factors.
For a few diseases we will pilot personalized treatment strategies based on inherited risk factors, utilizing the genetic information gathered in aim 2. Available or novel drugs acting on the identified pathways will be tested in dogs with specific risk factors using a veterinary network for clinical trials.
Knowledge gained should inform human personalized medicine.
Max ERC Funding
1 499 365 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-12-01, End date: 2017-11-30
Project acronym miRCell
Project MicroRNA functions in single cells
Researcher (PI) Marc FRIEDLÄNDER
Host Institution (HI) STOCKHOLMS UNIVERSITET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS2, ERC-2017-STG
Summary It is now becoming apparent that genes are regulated not only by transcription, but also by thousands of post-transcriptional regulators that can stabilize or degrade mRNAs. Some of the most important regulators are miRNAs, short RNA molecules that are deeply conserved in sequence and are involved in numerous biological processes, including human disease. Surprisingly, transcriptomic and proteomic studies show that most miRNAs only have subtle silencing effects on their targets, suggesting additional important, but yet undiscovered functions. Thus the question is raised: if the main function of miRNAs is not to silence targets, what is it?
I will test two novel hypotheses about miRNA function. The first hypothesis proposes that miRNAs can buffer gene expression noise. The second hypothesis is inspired by my preliminary results and proposes that miRNAs can synchronize expression of genes. If I validate either hypothesis, it would mean that miRNA functions can be investigated in entirely new ways, yielding important new biological insights relevant to both basic research and human health. However, these hypotheses can only be tested in individual cells, and the necessary single-cell technologies and computational tools are only maturing now.
I will apply my expertise in miRNA biology and in combined wet-lab and computational methods to design, develop and apply miRCell-seq to test these two hypotheses in cell cultures and in animals. This new method will for the first time measure miRNAs, their targets, and the interactions between them in single cells and transcriptome-wide. We will use mutant cells devoid of miRNAs and time course experiments to generate sufficient data to develop detailed models of the miRNA impact on their targets. We will then validate our findings with single cell proteomics. This project thus has the potential to reveal novel functions of miRNAs and substantially improve our general understanding of gene regulation.
Summary
It is now becoming apparent that genes are regulated not only by transcription, but also by thousands of post-transcriptional regulators that can stabilize or degrade mRNAs. Some of the most important regulators are miRNAs, short RNA molecules that are deeply conserved in sequence and are involved in numerous biological processes, including human disease. Surprisingly, transcriptomic and proteomic studies show that most miRNAs only have subtle silencing effects on their targets, suggesting additional important, but yet undiscovered functions. Thus the question is raised: if the main function of miRNAs is not to silence targets, what is it?
I will test two novel hypotheses about miRNA function. The first hypothesis proposes that miRNAs can buffer gene expression noise. The second hypothesis is inspired by my preliminary results and proposes that miRNAs can synchronize expression of genes. If I validate either hypothesis, it would mean that miRNA functions can be investigated in entirely new ways, yielding important new biological insights relevant to both basic research and human health. However, these hypotheses can only be tested in individual cells, and the necessary single-cell technologies and computational tools are only maturing now.
I will apply my expertise in miRNA biology and in combined wet-lab and computational methods to design, develop and apply miRCell-seq to test these two hypotheses in cell cultures and in animals. This new method will for the first time measure miRNAs, their targets, and the interactions between them in single cells and transcriptome-wide. We will use mutant cells devoid of miRNAs and time course experiments to generate sufficient data to develop detailed models of the miRNA impact on their targets. We will then validate our findings with single cell proteomics. This project thus has the potential to reveal novel functions of miRNAs and substantially improve our general understanding of gene regulation.
Max ERC Funding
1 497 650 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-03-01, End date: 2023-02-28
