000242373 001__ 242373
000242373 005__ 20230219174819.0
000242373 0247_ $$2CORDIS$$aG:(EU-Grant)947636$$d947636
000242373 0247_ $$2CORDIS$$aG:(EU-Call)ERC-2020-STG$$dERC-2020-STG
000242373 0247_ $$2originalID$$acorda__h2020::947636
000242373 035__ $$aG:(EU-Grant)947636
000242373 150__ $$aDeciphering adaptive footprints of epiC evolution on different timescales$$y2021-02-01 - 2026-01-31
000242373 372__ $$aERC-2020-STG$$s2021-02-01$$t2026-01-31
000242373 450__ $$aDECAF$$wd$$y2021-02-01 - 2026-01-31
000242373 5101_ $$0I:(DE-588b)5098525-5$$2CORDIS$$aEuropean Union
000242373 680__ $$aEpigenetics plays a fundamental role in the function and regulation of the genome. From an evolutionary viewpoint, a pressing question is whether epigenetic modifications are a source of adaptive variation. To answer this question substantial attention is being given to the epigenetic marks themselves, but surprisingly little is known about the evolutionary underpinnings of the genomic sites that anchor them. Using novel analytical and technical approaches, I want to address this fundamental knowledge gap. I will use the best understood epigenetic mark, DNA methylation, as a model and  advance on recent findings in avian genome evolution, epigenetic inheritance and sequencing technology. This will enable me to pinpoint signatures of epigenetically driven adaptation. I have designed separate approaches at three different levels: (1) At the individual level, to identify stably methylated anchors in the avian germline with focus on a recently discovered germline-specific chromosome, (2) at the population level, to establish the selective forces acting on DNA methylation diversity in natural populations and (3) at the species level, to gain insight into how fast-mutating anchors of DNA methylation act as potential facilitators of species differentiation and barriers. Ultimately, by combining these three levels I will be able to pinpoint epigenetic anchors that are involved in molecular adaptation. The possible research outcomes will not only be valuable to evolutionary biologists and ecologists, but will also make fundamental contributions to molecular biology and possibly medical research, and will deepen our understanding of how epigenetic marks manifest themselves at the sequence level.
000242373 909CO $$ooai:juser.fz-juelich.de:898813$$pauthority$$pauthority:GRANT
000242373 909CO $$ooai:juser.fz-juelich.de:898813
000242373 980__ $$aG
000242373 980__ $$aCORDIS
000242373 980__ $$aAUTHORITY