Objective
Fluorescence microscopy is one of the most convenient and widespread tools used in the life sciences. An important challenge, however, is to improve its spatial resolution, which is limited to about 200 nm. Recent “super-resolution” techniques such as photoactivation-localization microscopy (PALM) can provide images with a spatial resolution of tens of nm. Most studies performed with these techniques have imaged the nanoscale distribution of proteins. However, little progress has been seen on DNA super-resolution imaging due to challenges in labelling. My main research is aimed at exploring new ways to label DNA in high density with photoswitchable fluorophores and improving spatial resolution in fluorescence microscopy. This will allow opening up new opportunities to study a broad range of problems in Biology and Nanoscience. My recent work has shown that PALM-like imaging of DNA can achieve a spatial resolution below 40 nm by using intercalating cyanine dyes in combination with a buffer that promotes photoblinking. This proposal aims at optimizing this approach, and at finding new alternatives for DNA super-resolution imaging. I propose two research lines: 1) Use correlative atomic force microscopy and PALM-like imaging to optimize the above methodology. As first targets, DNA origami will be used. Correlative microscopy will then be applied to study chromosome structure; 2) Study the photophysical properties at the ensemble and single-molecule level of a new material, CyDNA (DNA highly substituted with cyanine dyes in a controllable way). Bringing together Cy3 and Cy5 dyes in the same CyDNA with high density results in a photoswitch with new properties. CyDNA photoswitching will be used for super-resolution imaging in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization, and also to improve image contrast with optical lock-in detection imaging. Further opportunities to apply the developed methodology will also be identified throughout the fellowship
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy super resolution microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics chromosomes
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
28049 Madrid
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.