Objective
Cell cycle progression is monitored by checkpoints that ensure the fidelity of cell division and prevent unrestricted cell proliferation. Checkpoints also serve to couple cell size with division – a mechanism important to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
While most studies on cell size homeostasis have focused on the links between size and biosynthetic activity, we have recently discovered a novel geometry-sensing mechanism by which fission yeast cells couple cell length with entry into mitosis. Conceptually, the system is remarkably simple: it is composed of a signal – the protein kinase Pom1 – forming concentration gradients from the ends of the cells, which inhibits a sensor – the protein kinase Cdr2, itself an activator of mitotic entry – placed at the cell equator. Since Pom1 concentration at the cell middle is higher in short cells than in long cells, this suggests a model where Pom1 inhibits Cdr2 until the cell has reached a sufficient length.
These findings open a conceptually new way of thinking about cell size homeostasis and suggest that cell polarity and cell shape have important effect on cell cycle progression. The proposed project investigates the mechanisms and functional importance of this geometry-sensing system through four specific aims:
Aim 1. Defining and modeling the molecular mechanisms of Pom1 gradient formation
Aim 2. Dissecting the mechanisms of Pom1 action
Aim 3. Investigating the influence of altered cell shape on cell proliferation
Aim 4. Exploring the effect of environmental stresses to the Pom1-Cdr2 system
By combining genetic, biochemical, physical, live-imaging and modeling approaches, this project will provide an integrated understanding of how cell geometry can be perceived at the molecular level and how this information is transduced to control cell proliferation. This work will have wide-ranging implication for our understanding of gradient formation, cell size homeostasis, and the role of cell polarity in proliferation. It will thus be of interest to cell, developmental and cancer biologists alike.
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: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology cell polarity
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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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-2010-StG_20091118
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
1015 LAUSANNE
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.