Objective
A key question in biology is how cells at different locations communicate through signalling molecules so that cells at the right place and time turn on the right genes. Such coordination is vital for many processes including the development of all embryos. A common set of strategies that cells from distinct organisms use to coordinate their gene expression has long been elusive. Finding it requires quantifying how two key factors, the spatial locations of cells and the genetic circuits that control the cells’ secretion of signalling molecules, each affects cells' gene expressions. This has been challenging because their effects are often intertwined in complex ways.
To overcome this challenge, I will assemble budding yeasts into multicellular structures component-by-component in a bottom-up manner, from building genetic circuits to arranging cells in space. I will build genetic circuits whose motifs commonly occur in natural systems. The yeasts will use the genetic circuits to control secretion and sensing of three distinct signalling molecules for communication. Using adhesive proteins and light-inducible genes, I will assemble multiple yeast strains, each with a unique genetic circuit, into a single two- and three-dimensional multicellular structure. The structures will mimic various sizes, shapes, and arrangements of cells found in nature. I will then switch on the circuits in these cells to initiate communication between cells. Different amounts of signalling molecules will cause the cells to make different amounts of fluorescent proteins. By measuring the fluorescence of cells at different locations over time and then correlating them, I will infer the degree of cell-cell coordination. I will build mathematical models to guide the experiments. By finding which combinations of genetic circuits and spatial arrangements of cells enable cell-cell coordination of gene expressions, I will reveal design principles of multicellular systems that have been elusive.
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 microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences developmental biology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine embryology
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics mathematical model
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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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.
(opens in new window) ERC-2015-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2628 CN DELFT
Netherlands
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.