Objetivo The shape of animal cells is primarily determined by the cellular cortex, a cross-linked network of actin and myosin lying directly beneath the plasma membrane. Although it is increasingly clear that the study of cell mechanics is essential to understand cellular morphogenesis, the physical properties of the cortex are poorly understood. Our previous study on the mechanics of cytokinesis identified cortex tension, network turnover and cellular elasticity as key mechanical parameters controlling cell morphology. A physical description coupling cortex mechanics to cellular shape changes indicates that modulation of these three key parameters could be sufficient to induce a variety of morphological behaviors, including symmetric ingression of a contractile ring, cortex oscillations, and even asymmetric cell cleavage. The aim of this proposal is to reveal the intrinsic shape-generating potential of the cortex and to understand how this potential is used and controlled during cell division. To do so, we will first investigate how cortex tension, turnover and cell elasticity are controlled throughout division. We will test our understanding of cell shape mechanics by exploring how perturbing these properties affects the shape of the dividing cell. We will then explore whether cortical contractions can lead to asymmetric cytokinesis by attempting to induce differences in size between daughter cells by mechanical perturbations. Finally, we will use blebs separated from cells as model isolated cortices and investigate the control of shape dynamics in this simplified system. Our interdisciplinary approach will produce an integrated description of the mechanical function of the cortex in cell shape changes. More generally, I expect that this work will unveil some of the fundamental principles of cell morphogenesis by resolving how the coordinated regulation of a single set of physical parameters can unify seemingly disparate cellular morphogenetic events. Programa(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Tema(s) ERC-SG-LS3 - ERC Starting Grant - Cellular and Developmental Biology Convocatoria de propuestas ERC-2012-StG_20111109 Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria Régimen de financiación ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Institución de acogida UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Aportación de la UE € 1 500 000,00 Dirección GOWER STREET WC1E 6BT London Reino Unido Ver en el mapa Región London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contacto administrativo Giles Machell (Mr.) Investigador principal Ewa Kamila Paluch (Dr.) Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos Beneficiarios (1) Ordenar alfabéticamente Ordenar por aportación de la UE Ampliar todo Contraer todo UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Reino Unido Aportación de la UE € 1 500 000,00 Dirección GOWER STREET WC1E 6BT London Ver en el mapa Región London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contacto administrativo Giles Machell (Mr.) Investigador principal Ewa Kamila Paluch (Dr.) Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos