IMAGE DDR

High Resolution Microscopy in the DNA Damage Response

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Background: The DNA damage response (DDR) is a specialised stress response fundamental to maintaining genome integrity and suppressing tumour formation. Traditional molecular and cellular biology, combined with genetics and biochemistry, have led to an understanding of the architecture of the DDR in a variety of model organisms and in human cells. These studies have employed populations of cells/molecules and their results are of necessity an average of the response. High sensitivity imaging technologies make it feasible to study events in single cells and to do experiments with small numbers of molecules in vitro. These can now be applied to the DDR. Project Objectives: To provide an interdisciplinary training in single cell and single molecule studies to graduate students in Physics, Chemistry, LS, Maths and Computer sciences. The focus of the research will be the study of the DDR and genome stability. The main technologies to be developed concern high resolution molecular imaging methodologies. Specific aims: To train eight early stage researchers to doctoral level to utilize an interdisciplinary approach to address specific scientific questions and to communicate between disciplines. Study Design: We will achieve our objective by building a network comprising four “local” groups, each a collaboration between an imaging specialist and a cell biologist / molecular geneticists engaged in research on genome stability. The collaborating scientists will serve as co-advisors and will develop a personalised interdisciplinary research training programme for each recruit. Local training will be augmented by specially designed network-wide summer schools, workshops and meetings encompassing all network participants and invited experts. An industrial partner is integral to the network in order to share methods and provide secondments and input into workshops to train researchers in technology exploitation.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Powerful microscopy identifies DNA damage

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Understanding damage done to DNA is important for advancing health and scientific research. One way of achieving this is through powerful microscopy to observe how cells constantly work on repairing DNA. The EU-funded training network 'High resolution microscopy in the DNA damage response' (IMAGE DDR) helped address the lack of researchers who can exploit advanced microscopy to study DNA damage response.

The project brought together several laboratories and an industrial partner in the field. The goal was to provide 10 early-stage researchers (ESRs) with advanced training in imaging methodology beyond already established genetics techniques and biochemistry. It provided cross-disciplinary training to equip students with strong career advantages and prospects.

To achieve its aims, IMAGE DDR combined two laboratories with complementary expertise, namely imaging and traditional biology. It enabled students to work between disciplines within a wider network, sharing experiences and technical expertise. The training was supported by workshops on advanced microscopy and studies on the methodologies behind the discipline.

The major project achievement involved recruiting 10 ESRs, 6 of whom were women. Several fellows have completed the training already and have secured postdoctoral positions, while others are currently working on their PhDs.

With this in mind, the project was deemed an important success, providing excellent employment positions and opportunities to the trainees and offering continuous support within a strong network of collaborators. The project has helped strengthen the European Research Area (ERA) through multidisciplinary expertise that will help exploit biotechnology in the future. This is set to contribute to research in treatment of major diseases such as cancer.