Objective
Despite the critical importance of a precisely formed vascular network within the central nervous system (CNS), little is known about the molecular mechanisms that specifically control CNS vascularization. While other embryonic tissues undergo primary vascularization, the CNS becomes secondarily vascularized by sprouting angiogenesis from a previously formed vascular plexus. Angiogenesis within the CNS seems to require a different code of angiogenic signals compared to other organs, as surprisingly newly formed blood vessels avoid CNS regions where the pro-angiogenic factor VEGF is expressed. Still, angiogenesis within the developing neural tube (NT) follows a highly stereotypic pattern with blood vessels sprouting always at the same locations, following the same paths and avoiding specific regions.
The goal of this project is to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control this specialized two-step CNS vascularization.
The originality and innovative character of this proposal relates to the hypothesis that in contrast to primary vascularization, which happens in response to conventional angiogenic signals, NT vascularization occurs by an orchestration of neuronal-derived signals, guiding vessels into the developing CNS, thereby assuring synchrony and adaptation to the specialized CNS tissue.
Two research tracks are proposed:
1: Identification of the neuronal cell populations that communicate with blood vessels during NT vascularization
2: Identification and functional characterization of the molecular players controlling vascular patterning within the NT
Both tracks are designed to follow a multidisciplinary approach combining cutting edge technology in in vitro cell and 3D tissue culture, time-lapse microscopy, transcriptomics, proteomics and mouse genetics.
This project will provide fundamental knowledge on the mechanisms of CNS vascularization and open new research lines for understanding and treating developmental and traumatic CNS disorders
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 neurobiology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
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
See other projects for this call
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
69117 Heidelberg
Germany
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.