Objective
We hypothesize that within the intervertebral disc (IVD), a niche exists comprising the nucleus pulposus and the inner layer of the annulus fibrosus and the cartilage endplate. In the niche, two events govern successful maintenance of disc cell function: the ability of progenitor cells to provide replacement cells, and the power of this cell population for renewal. In the disc niche, environmental conditions are unique in that the progenitor cells experience a low oxygen tension and possibly a low pH.
Cellular adaptation to low oxygen (hypoxia) is an important biological problem not only in relation to pathological conditions such as cancer and ischemic diseases, but also in normal foetal development and in cell differentiation.
The overall goal of this project is to investigate the role of hypoxia and HIFs transcription factors and the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the biology of IVD, especially in proliferation, survival, differentiation of NP cells and formation of NP tissue, in both developmental and degenerative processes.
To achieve this aim, the proposed research activities will focus on: mice models of gene invalidation particularly regarding the HIF pathway (HIF-1α, HIF-2α and Von Hippel Lindau tumor suppressor protein). To specifically inactive these genes during embryonic development, growth or aging, conditional and inducible KO will be generated using Cre or Cre-ERT2 strategies and promoters for Foxa2 (notochordal cells) or aggrecan (NP cells).
The expected results are to improve our understanding of IVD development, aging and associated pathologies. Such advances in the comprehension of IVD physiopathology may lead to the development of advanced approaches by defining novel therapeutic targets and/or innovative cell-based tissue engineering strategies.
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 developmental biology
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology tissue engineering
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pathology
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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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF
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.
Coordinator
44035 NANTES CEDEX 1
France
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.