Objective
We walk, run and jump using the complex and ingenious musculoskeletal system. It is therefore puzzling that although each of its components has been extensively studied, research of the musculoskeleton as an integrated system and, in particular, of its assembly has been scarce. In recent years, studies conducted in my lab have demonstrated the centrality of cross regulation between musculoskeletal tissues in skeletogenesis. These works have provided me with the inspiration for a revolutionary hypothesis on the way tendons connect to bones, along with sufficient preliminary data on which to base it.
The critical component in the assembly of the musculoskeleton is the formation of an attachment unit, where a tendon is inserted into a bone. Instead of two tissues that attach to each other, my novel hypothesis suggests that the entire attachment unit originates from a single pool of progenitor cells, which following differentiation diverges to form a tendon attached to cartilage.
With the support of the ERC scheme, I will uncover the previously uncharacterized cellular origin of the attachment unit and the genetic program underlying its development. The attachment unit is a compound tissue, as it is composed of chondrocytes at one end and of tenocytes at the other end. We will investigate the mechanisms that facilitate in situ differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells into two distinct cell fates, under one defined niche. In addition, I will identify the contribution of both mechanical stimuli and molecular signals to the development of the attachment unit.
The ultimate goal of this program is to provide a complete picture of attachment unit development, in order to promote understanding of musculoskeletal assembly. The acquired knowledge may provide the basis for new therapies for enthesopathies, through tissue engineering or repair.
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.
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
7610001 Rehovot
Israel
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.