The similarity of the nature of macromolecular modifications occurring on DNA, RNA or proteins, on one hand, and on the other hand, the diversity of cellular responses – including pathologies, elicited by these modifications, constitute the scientific backbone of our network.
First, newly discovered macromolecular modifications will be characterized and new modifications identified, along with enzymes eliciting and reading these modifications. This knowledge will be extended at the functional level by determining the role of these modifications and machinery in a cellular context (for example through identification of substrates and processes involved).
Additional functional studies will be extended to the organismal level, in cellular reprogramming and developmental contexts such as those implicated in the formation of the germline and embryonic development. These studies will highlight the dynamics, reversion properties and tissue-specificity of these modifications.
In order to provide short- and long-term scientific added value, the scientific work plan builds on synergistic interactions within the network and therefore incorporates existing research themes currently addressed in each group. These notably include modifications and repair of DNA and RNA in developmental and stem cell differentiation contexts – using a variety of model systems ranging from cell culture to germline formation and embryonic development, protein modifications and autophagy, and inflammation.