RepTime | Molecular control of DNA replication timing in mammalian cells

Summary
DNA replication is an essential process ensuring the transmission of genetic information and is highly regulated. Specifically, the DNA replication-timing program ensures that the sites of initiation of DNA replication, termed origins, are not all activated simultaneously but follow a cell-type specific schedule. This pathway is conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution, however its molecular control and biological role are not fully understood. In this proposal I aim to understand key aspects of replication-timing program by employing a combination of advanced mouse genetics, genomics, cell biology and proteomics. Currently one of the major limitations in the mammalian DNA replication field is the elusive identity of origins. I aim to comprehensively map origins in a variety of mouse cells/tissues and relate the regulation of origin firing to the control of gene expression and three-dimensional nuclear architecture. I have discovered that Rif1 controls replication timing and links it to nuclear three-dimensional organization. I have also revealed the existence of a novel Rif1-independent pathway that controls the timing of a significant fraction of the late-replicating genome, identified by constitutive association with a key nuclear architecture component, Lamin B1. Here, I propose complementary approaches to understand the molecular mechanism by which Rif1 coordinates replication timing and nuclear organization as well as the molecular underpinnings of the novel pathway instructing late-replication in Lamin B1-associated regions. Finally, my goal is to understand the in vivo biological role of the replication-timing program. Our preliminary data identify mammalian X inactivation as a process where replication timing may play a fundamental part. My ultimate objective is to contribute to the realization of a comprehensive understanding of nuclear function, integrating the co-regulation of DNA replication with gene expression, epigenetic inheritance and DNA repair.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/726130
Start date: 01-10-2017
End date: 31-03-2024
Total budget - Public funding: 1 999 784,99 Euro - 1 999 784,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

DNA replication is an essential process ensuring the transmission of genetic information and is highly regulated. Specifically, the DNA replication-timing program ensures that the sites of initiation of DNA replication, termed origins, are not all activated simultaneously but follow a cell-type specific schedule. This pathway is conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution, however its molecular control and biological role are not fully understood. In this proposal I aim to understand key aspects of replication-timing program by employing a combination of advanced mouse genetics, genomics, cell biology and proteomics. Currently one of the major limitations in the mammalian DNA replication field is the elusive identity of origins. I aim to comprehensively map origins in a variety of mouse cells/tissues and relate the regulation of origin firing to the control of gene expression and three-dimensional nuclear architecture. I have discovered that Rif1 controls replication timing and links it to nuclear three-dimensional organization. I have also revealed the existence of a novel Rif1-independent pathway that controls the timing of a significant fraction of the late-replicating genome, identified by constitutive association with a key nuclear architecture component, Lamin B1. Here, I propose complementary approaches to understand the molecular mechanism by which Rif1 coordinates replication timing and nuclear organization as well as the molecular underpinnings of the novel pathway instructing late-replication in Lamin B1-associated regions. Finally, my goal is to understand the in vivo biological role of the replication-timing program. Our preliminary data identify mammalian X inactivation as a process where replication timing may play a fundamental part. My ultimate objective is to contribute to the realization of a comprehensive understanding of nuclear function, integrating the co-regulation of DNA replication with gene expression, epigenetic inheritance and DNA repair.

Status

SIGNED

Call topic

ERC-2016-COG

Update Date

27-04-2024
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
ERC-2016
ERC-2016-COG