Objective
There exist very few techniques for studying a group of cells containing
a large number compared to a single cell but small compared to a whole
tissue. This implies that statistics are exceedingly difficult to obtain
from measurements of individual cells. Microfluidics provides a way to
amend this by allowing ways to observe individual cells and automate
such measurements. The aim in this project is to develop a cell
manipulation platforms based on microfluidics techniques developed in
our lab, while answering relevant biological questions.
The first question concerns Sickle Cell Anemia, a genetic disease for
which no treatment exists. We will study the polymerization of
hemoglobin within red blood cells, as they are submitted to cycles of
oxygenation and deoxygenation. Quantitative measurements of the response
of the cells to oxygen variations will allow physiological conditions to
be simulated, including in the presence of therapeutic candidates or
other biological agents.
The second question concerns the motility of adherent cells in a
three-dimensional environment. This question will be to understand the
migration of cells in a 3D gradient of chemo-attractant, as well as
gradients of rigidity of the environment. This part will require the
development of new technological tools which can later be applied to a
wide range of biological problems. The long term aim is to replace the
current tools of biological labs with miniaturized and integrated lab on
a chip devices.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
ERC-2011-StG_20101014
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
ERC-SG - ERC Starting GrantHost institution
75794 Paris
France