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H2020Doctoral network2018–2023

ChromDesign · Chromatin architecture and Design

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2018-09-01 → 2023-02-28
EU contribution
€3,408,207
Participants
17
Scheme
MSCA-ITN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Chromatin architecture and Design

Understanding human disease often means facing complex challenges that require a holistic approach to problem-solving. Inter-, and trans-disciplinary research is essential in meeting these challenges, as it brings together different perspectives and expertise to tackle complex scientific problems and communicate the results effectively. ChromDesign – Chromatin Architecture and Design is a Marie-Skłodowska Curie Action (MSCA) Innovative Training Network (ITN), coordinated by CRG and involving 11 European academic and private institutions and 6 partner organizations. The network is a prime example of how trans-disciplinary research can drive innovation and progress in the field of chromatin architecture and design. The scientific objectives encompass the characterization of the mechanisms and the impact of chromatin organization on gene regulation during cellular differentiation in normal and pathologic states, to further understand human disease and identify novel therapeutic approaches. Notwithstanding, ChromDesign worked towards this by seamlessly integrating into this process communicators and designers to develop innovative approaches for sharing these very specialized results not only to the scientific community, but also to a non-specialized audience, thus being part of a process that we called within the network: “From the lab to the street”. The network brings together top international scientists and designers to tackle complex challenges in the field of chromatin biology while training and empowering 14 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) in state-of-the-art epigenetics research, but also transferable skills and science communication, thus highlighting one of the key strengths of the ChromDesign network: the intersection between science, communication, and design. In ChromDesign, we are convinced that these trans-disciplinary approaches are very beneficial not only for the training of researchers but to the future of science, driving innovation, and providing valuable skills to everyone involved in the network.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

ChromDesign is an innovative and interdisciplinary network of 10 European academic and private institutions that will characterize how 3D chromatin organization affects gene regulation during cellular differentiation and in several human disorders. We will train 13 Early Stage Researchers (ESR), equipping them with the skills, knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm necessary to develop successful future careers in the biomedical field (in academia or the private sector). Together with European experts in chromatin biology, 3D genomics, and research design, these ESRs will work towards the goal of identifying novel alterations in chromatin topology responsible for cellular malfunctions to: i) develop new diagnostic tools, ii) effectively communicate research results through specific toolkits; and iii) identify novel therapeutic targets with the potential to be exploited as treatments.Alteration of gene regulation occurs naturally during aging and underlies several human diseases. Its better characterization requires a deeper understanding of the spatial organization of the genome. We will investigate how the genome organizes in 3D over time, and how the 3D organization is related to gene regulation in health and disease. We will use and develop technologies in imaging, cell biology, genomics, and computational modelling and will focus on translating our results into clinical applications. ESRs will thereby receive training with state-of-the-art technologies in distinct research areas and in modules with theoretical and hands-on sessions on transferable skills: entrepreneurship, management, communication, and outreach. ChromDesign comprises 6 work packages: WP1–4 address the 4 main areas of chromatin biology and 3D genomics; WP5 applies the knowledge obtained from WPs1–4 into translational research; WP6 develops (with a dedicated ESR) a set of design toolkits for communicating results to scientists, the public, and schools; and WP7 ensures quality training for ESRs.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • FUNDACIO CENTRE DE REGULACIO GENOMICA · BarcelonaCoordinatorSpain
  • BYFACILITY SL · BARCELONASpain
  • CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisFrance
  • DIAGENODE · SeraingBelgium
  • EUROPEAN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY · HeidelbergGermany
  • EUROPEAN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY ORGANIZATION · GeneveSwitzerland
  • FRIEDRICH MIESCHER INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH FONDATION · BASELSwitzerland
  • FUNDACIO D'ESTUDIS I RECERCA ONCOLOGICA (FERO) · BarcelonaSpain
  • FUNDACIO PRIVADA ELISAVA ESCOLA UNIVERSITARIA · BarcelonaSpain
  • HELMHOLTZ ZENTRUM MUENCHEN DEUTSCHES FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM FUER GESUNDHEIT UND UMWELT GMBH · NeuherbergGermany
  • INSTITUT CURIE · ParisFrance
  • ISTITUTO EUROPEO DI ONCOLOGIA SRL · MilanoItaly
  • KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET · KOBENHAVNDenmark
  • MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV · MUNCHENGermany
  • THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · CAMBRIDGEUnited Kingdom
  • UNIVERSITE DE MONTPELLIER · MontpellierFrance
  • surfrenderNetherlands

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union