Vollantrag zu Chromosome Dynamics

Genetic information, the blueprint for any living organism, is encoded by DNA. In higher eukaryotes, the DNA resides in the nucleus of a cell and is partitioned into linear units called chromosomes. The maintenance of genetic information and its faithful transmission from one generation to the next crucially depends on intact chromosomes. Failure to protect DNA from deterioration, impaired DNA repair or missegregation of chromosomes during cell division seriously compromises the fitness of any organism. Understanding the molecular basis of chromosome maintenance and dynamics is therefore essential for human health and fertility, but also for industrial production, food production and plant breeding. The Vienna Biocenter Campus hosts a cluster of research groups with a strong research record in chromosome biology. Yet, a graduate research program dedicated to the topic is missing. Here we propose a structured doctorate program in the field of chromosome biology to remedy this shortcoming. The principal investigators contributing to the anticipated doctorate program "Chromosome Dynamics" will ensure familiarization of students with various model organisms, approaches, techniques and perspectives a goal much too ambitious to achieve on the basis of individual grants. Research topics include DNA repair, chromosome movement and segregation, telomere function, mitotic and meiotic divisions and cell cycle. The doctoral program will coordinate the teaching activities of the participating faculty and considerably extend the teaching dedicated towards chromosome biology. It will establish platforms for teaching, seminars and retreats that will ensure intellectual exchange, sharing of experiences and techniques. As a unique feature, the doctorate program will organize special work-shops, with an emphasis on subjects important for scientific work not necessarily specific to the individual research topics. The training goal is to raise young, enthusiastic, but also critical researchers, with a profound education in chromosome biology. A dedicated blend of seminars, lectures and workshops together with their actual research work will strengthen their flexibility to succeed both, within and outside their special field and in- as well as outside of academia.