Ancient Battles, New Weapons: Uncovering Germline Defense Innovations and Transposon Invasions in Caenorhabditis speciescore
TEvsRNA · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-09-01–2028-08-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01 · scheme HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF · topic HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01-01. CORDIS record →
Objective
The germline is the only immortal lineage in animals, making it a target for transposable elements (TEs) to perpetuate themselves at the host's expense. To counter these threats, animals utilize Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) to suppress TEs and maintain germline integrity. Despite the crucial role of piRNAs, the diversity of mechanisms organisms use to repress parasitic elements remains largely unexplored. To address this, I propose studying an emerging model system, the nematode Caenorhabditis plicata; one of the few Caenorhabditis species that lost the piRNA pathway. Notably, our preliminary results indicate that C. plicata employs novel small RNA (sRNA) classes to silence TEs. My first aim is to dissect the molecular basis of this sRNA pathway and elucidate its evolutionary origins. To do so, I will screen for the underlying molecular component controlling this pathway; firstly by targeting homologs of proteins involved in C. elegans sRNA silencing, and secondly, via EMS mutagenesis to identify mutations that suppress silencing of transgenic reporters. I will then investigate whether the novel sRNA populations are ancestral or a recent innovation by examining independent piRNA loss events across different Caenorhabditis species. Motivated by the natural loss of piRNAs and the widespread transfer of TEs between species, my second aim is to develop an experimental model to study foreign TE invasions in nematodes through heterologous insertions of TEs into mutant worms that are unable to defend against these elements. I will then examine the subsequent impact on genome architecture and explore whether they contribute to genome size expansion. This comprehensive approach will not only teach us how animals protect their germline but also deepen understanding of how biological novelty can arise from the ancient evolutionary arms race between invasive elements and silencing pathways.
Beneficiaries (1)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INSTITUT FUER MOLEKULARE BIOTECHNOLOGIE GMBH | AT | coordinator | €214,345 |
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