INTCHEM · Non-Covalent Interactions in Chemistry and Biochemistry
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2006-04-01 → 2010-03-31
- EU contribution
- €1,331,324
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- EST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - INTCHEM (Non-covalent interactions in Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Chromatin structure is central to the control of gene expression. It is only recently, that there has been a realisation that the level of compaction of genes or their localisation within the cell nucleus may be very important for gene activation and gene silencing, especially in a developmental context. In order to better understand these phenomena, we have focussed on specific clusters of genes - the Hox complexes. Hox genes ensure the proper development of the embryo by organising the embryonic structures along the antero-posterior axis. Given their crucial role, mutations of these genes often result in developmental anomalies or embryonic death. In mammals, there are four clusters of Hox genes (A, B, C and D), which are highly related to each other in sequence and organisation but which function in different aspects of development. Within each cluster there is a correspondence between the linear order of the genes on the chromosome and their sequence of activation in the developing embryo - the colinearity rule. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this exquisite gene regulation are poorly understood.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
INTCHEM is an interdisciplinary European Early Stage Research Training programme aimed towards understanding the complex phenomena of weak interactions between molecules via non-covalent bonding. These interactions govern the formation and structure of con densed phases of molecules (clusters, liquids, crystals), adhesion of molecules on surfaces, and determine the structure of biomacromolecules, such as proteines and DNA. Although applications cover the whole field of supramolecular chemistry, crystal engin neering and large parts of biochemistry, there is no systematic interdisciplinary training of students in traditional courses of chemistry and biochemistry. INTCHEM aims to close this gap by combining the classical" knowledge of chemistry and physics, i.e . the language of molecules, their reactions and interactions, together with the "classical" knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology, derived from existing forms of life. The training will be based on a structured 3-year curriculum including a mul ti-week laboratory rotation, a dedicated lecture series as well as generic skills workshops. This will provide young scientists with the necessary in-depth experimental and theoretical skills in analytical chemistry to develop a comprehensive understandin g of supramolecular chemistry. Fellows will be full members of the faculty-wide Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry."
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- RUHR-UNIVERSITAET BOCHUM · BOCHUMCoordinatorGermany
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union