Objective
Fertilization relies on complex and specialized mechanisms that achieve the precise delivery of the male gamete to the female gamete and their subsequent union. In plants, the molecular mechanisms that mediate the discharge of sperm cells by the male gametophyte (pollen tube) into the female gametophyte are still a mystery although they are of great interest for the manipulation of breeding barriers in wide-crosses and the production of hybrids. Recently, it was shown that a molecular dialogue between the male and female gametophytes must occur for successful sperm discharge. A receptor-like kinase called FERONIA has been shown by U. Grossniklaus’s group (UZH, Switzerland), the Host Laboratory, to be required for this dialogue in the female gametophyte. The French Research Fellow Aurélien Boisson-Dernier initiated this project in his former laboratory (J. Schroeder’s group, UCSD, USA) and recently (November 16th 2008) joined U. Grossniklaus’s group to characterize PFERL-RLKs (pollen-expressed FERONIA-like receptor-like kinases), which are excellent candidates to assume the role of the FER counterpart in the male gametophyte. The project and the Research Fellow’s career will greatly benefit from the training and expertise offered by the Host Lab, as well as from its on-going in-depth characterization of FER-dependent signaling. This highly interdisciplinary proposal that includes molecular and cell biological, cytological, genetic, biochemical, and interactome approaches should result in the identification of the first components of the FER signaling counterpart in the pollen tube, essential for male-female gametophytic interactions and fertilization. Consequently, this project will allow the Research Fellow to establish himself as an independent leading scientist in Europe exploiting (i) this novel niche in the plant fertilization field, (ii) the new skills he will acquired in the Host Lab, and (iii) the scientific network he will develop during at the Host Lab.
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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG
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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.
Coordinator
8006 ZURICH
Switzerland
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.