SOLAR · Sulfolobus, a model archaeon for studying the orgin of eukaryotes and development of their information processing systems
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2007-01-01 → 2011-06-30
- EU contribution
- €1,798,444
- Participants
- 9
- Scheme
- RTN
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - SOLAR (Sulfolobus, a model archaeon for studying the orgin of eukaryotes and development of their information processing systems)
In the Research Proposal, two overall objectives were described for the SOLAR MCRTN network: (i) providing a unique opportunity for the training of young, talented, (mainly) European scientists in a multidisciplinary environment using cutting-edge post-genomic and biochemical technologies, and (ii) preforming research on the model archaeon Sulfolobus in order to gain insight in the processing of genetic information in eukaryotes. It is concluded that the two objectives have been accomplished, and that the SOLAR project has been very successful, both in terms of training of young scientific talents, and in performing state-of-the-art scientific research. The former is illustrated by the ERs that already obtained their PhD degree, while the others are currently completing the writing of their PhD thesis. As to the high scientific level, this is obvious from the long list of publications, the intense collaborations (exchange of fellows and joint publications), and the list of scientific breakthroughs (published in top scientific journals): Unravelling of anti-viral defence mechanism (P1, P2, P5, P8). Discovery of archaeal viruses (P2, P6, P8). DNA repair helicase structure (P5). Archaeal CRISPR complex elucidated (P5). Archaeal Isoprenoid pathway (P1). DNA transfer by UV-inducible pili (P8 and P9). Rotation of archaeal flagella, although they are type IV (P9). The overall conclusion is that the SOLAR Marie Curie Research Training Network has been very successful. Attempts will certainly be made to extend the collaborative efforts of the SOLAR Consortium.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The evolution of Life on Earth has resulted in three types of organisms: the eukaryotes (higher organisms) and two distinct types of prokaryotes: the bacteria and the more recently discovered archaea. The archaea constitute a crucial link in the evolution of the prokaryotic to the aukaryotic cell. The essential systems for the processing of genetic information (DNA>RNA>Protein) that are present in eukaryotes are very similar to their simpler counterparts in archaea, and differ substantially form those in bacteria. Hence, archaea are excellent model systems for studying replication, DNA repair, transcription and translation in higher organisms. The model archaeon Sulfolobus is a unique candidate for an integrated multi-disciplinary project. The proposed SOLAR project will generate new insight on the processing of genetic information, by (i) extending the set of key proteins (and non coding-RNAs) involved and elucidating their interactions in vivo and in vitro, (ii) unravelling novel molecular mechanisms, and (iii) determining the modes of regulation of the protein complexes involved. This will certainly provide fundamental insights into the evolution of these importent processes, and into the orgin of the eukaryotic cell. Moreover, since malfunctions of the information processing systems, or their control, can have a major impact on survival and proliferation of cells and organisms, SOLAR applicants have recently filed several patents on new findings about archaeal protein functions that can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of human diseases including cancer; the SOLAR project is anticipated to further extend these very promising developments. The partners of the SOLAR consortium have been selected on the basis of both excellent track records and complementary expertise. As such, the proposed project provides a unique opportunity for training of young, talented, European scientists in cutting-edge post-genomic and biochemical technologies.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITEIT · WAGENINGENCoordinatorNetherlands
- INSTITUT PASTEUR · PARISFrance
- Københavns Universitet · KOBENHAVNDenmark
- MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE FOR TERRESTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY · MARBURGGermany
- MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL · LONDONUnited Kingdom
- UNIVERSITE PARIS-SUD · ORSAYFrance
- UNIVERSITETET I BERGEN · BERGENNorway
- UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS · ST ANDREWSUnited Kingdom
- Universität Wien · WienAustria
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union