GRK 3112:  EpiSignal - Crosstalk of intracellular signaling pathways and chromatin modification networks

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 538201975

Epigenomic chromatin modifications and regulatory cell signaling networks are tightly connected and essential to orchestrate transient and durable cellular responses to external signals but often studied separately. Epi-Signal research will focus on the interplay of these regulatory networks, the consequences of this crosstalk on normal cellular responses and the development of diseases. At the molecular level, EpiSignal aims to decipher how cell signaling systems regulate chromatin modifying enzymes and epigenome processes and, vice versa, how epigenome systems influence the activity and output of cellular signaling networks. The research in EpiSignal will make important contributions to the understanding of the regulation of cell differentiation and proliferation during normal development, shed new light onto the complex networks and regulatory principles of cell and epigenome signaling systems, and provide insights into processes occurring during diseases. Based on the requirements of cutting-edge research in this emerging biomedical field, EpiSignal will establish an interdisciplinary training program, which offers timely and innovative training in all relevant disciplines (cell biology, biochemistry, molecular (epi)genetics and systems biology) and prepares doctoral researchers ideally for future career paths in academia or industry. To ensure interdisciplinary training, each doctoral researcher will be co-supervised by two PRs from different research fields. EpiSignal will set up an individual, well-balanced training program in scientific and transferable skills for each doctoral researcher. The EpiSignal qualification program includes tailored interdisciplinary lecture series and workshops, regular scientific seminars with progress and paper presentations, yearly retreats with international guest scientists, Tech schools with peer-to-peer training in advanced methods, training in transferable skills, plus lab stays abroad, industrial placements and conference participation. Based on this, EpiSignal will offer: • A timely and innovative research program providing excellent topics for doctoral studies and excellent experimental and theoretical training in the disciplines involved in the studies of each doctoral researcher • Acquisition of interdisciplinary skills through the tailored qualification program and early inclusion of doctoral researchers into independent research • Excellent and individualized supervision with the aim to train each of the doctoral researchers individually to the best of their potential • Development of the skills of the doctoral researchers as task-oriented scientists to develop them into responsible researcher By this, EpiSignal doctoral researchers will receive a unique, interdisciplinary education in an emerging field of biomedical research endowing them with all necessary skills to pursue successful careers either in academia or in industry.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Universität Stuttgart
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Albert Jeltsch
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Angelika Hausser; Professor Dr. Jörn Lausen; Professor Dr. Stefan Legewie; Professor Dr. Markus Morrison; Professorin Dr. Monilola Afolabi Olayioye; Professorin Dr. Nicole Radde; Dr. Philipp Rathert; Professor Dr. Dirk Schwarzer; Professorin Dr. Franziska Traube