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ERC Starting Grant 2022 – Nitika Taneja – ChOReS: Chromatin re-organization in response to replication stress

Project summary

Background and unmet need: The mammalian genome is a highly organized structure where distinct chromosomal domains occupy discrete territories and position in a non-random fashion. Genome organization also determines the proper functioning of various biological processes, including DNA replication. Genome organization has been widely studied in the context of gene regulation, while recently the role of genome organization in mediating DNA damage repair at DSB sites has also cometo light. However, there is scarce information on how newly replicating region is organized in response to replication stress.

Hypothesis to be tested: My hypothesis is that stalled replication forks, especially at the regions prone to acquire breaks, undergo compartmentalization/re-organization within the 3-D nuclear space in response to replication stress to allow efficient fork protection and fork restart ability.

Objectives: This unique multidisciplinary project will yield critical information to reveal hidden connections of chromatin organization, replication fork stability and chemoresistance. With this ERC project, I will determine for the first time i) the mechanistic insights of chromatin organization changes mediated by chromatin remodeling activity in response to replication stress, ii) identify novel chromatin mobilizers associated with replication forks and iii) determine the significance of chromatin reorganization to cope with replication stress for establishing resistance towards chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer cells and patient samples.

Impact

Expected Outcomes: My project will not only advance our fundamental knowledge on spatial & temporal reorganization of chromatin architecture containing stressed replication forks, but it also has a high potential to contribute to identifying novel targets aimed at chromatin organizers that mediates resistance towards replication stress inducing chemotherapeutics.

More detailed information

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Nitika Taneja

Role Erasmus MC:

Coördinator

Department:

Molecular Genetics

Project website:

Funding Agency:

Funding Instrument:

ERC

Starting Grant