About XSBuilder
XSBuilder is an ERC Synergy Grant project funded by the European Research Council. The project aims to understand how cells transform interphase nuclei into mitotic chromosomes during cell division.
Scientific challenge
Although mitosis has been studied for more than 140 years, the mechanisms by which compact mitotic chromosomes are built from active interphase chromatin remain only partially understood.
Integrated approach
XSBuilder combines advanced imaging, genome-wide chromatin mapping, cryo-electron tomography, proteomics, image analysis and computational modelling.
Collaborative vision
The project brings together leading expertise in chromosome biology, structural biology, genomics, proteomics, microscopy and computational analysis.
XSBuilder will study chromosome formation across different scales, from individual nucleosomes to whole chromosomes, and over time with minute-by-minute precision.
By combining complementary methods and perspectives, the partners will work together to generate new tools, data and biological insights into one of the most dynamic processes in the cell cycle.
Consortium
| Role | Researcher | Institution | Country | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinator | Prof. Ohad Medalia | University of Zurich | Switzerland | Website |
| Partner | Prof. William Earnshaw | University of Edinburgh | United Kingdom | Website |
| Partner | Prof. Job Dekker | University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School / Howard Hughes Medical Institute | United States | Website |
| Partner | Prof. José María Carazo | National Centre for Biotechnology / CNB-CSIC | Spain | Website |
| Partner | Prof. Juri Rappsilber | Technische Universität Berlin | Germany | Website |