Objective
Apicomplexan parasites invade the host cell in an active process that involves gliding motility, formation and movement through the moving junction (MJ) and establishment of a prasitophorous vacuole (PV) around the parasite. In order to invade the host cell they employ an arsenal of virulence factors derived from the specialised secretory organelles; the micronemes, rhoptries and dense granules that are sequentially secreted during the invasion process.
While the content of the secretory organelles has been well described and individual virulence factors have been the focus of research, our knowledge on the evolution, biogenesis, maintenance and regulation of these unique organelles is incomplete. Our recent research has established endosomal-like compartments as a key organelle for the specific sorting to micronemes and rhoptries.
The goals of this research project are to i) Analyse biogenesis and segregation of endosomal-like compartments during parasite development within the host cell, ii) Analyse the content of endosomal-like compartments, iii) Systematically dissect the pathways involved in the organisation of the endosomal-like compartments and therefore in the biogenesis, maintenance and regulation of micronemes and rhoptries and iv) Compare the function of identified key factors in other apicomplexans, such as Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria.
The evolution of these specialised secretory organelles as an adaptation to an intracellular life style is not only a fascinating, unique feature of apicomplexan parasites that deserves detailed characterisation, but will lead to the identification of novel pathways and interference with these will also represent a new treatment option against these pathogens.
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.
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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.
ERC-2012-StG_20111109
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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.
Host institution
G12 8QQ Glasgow
United Kingdom
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.