Project description DEENESFRITPL Insight into cell membrane dynamics The cell membrane facilitates fundamental biological processes including endocytosis, cell–cell communication and cell division. Therefore, understanding the factors that control membrane structure and dynamics can help modulate these processes. Unlike most approaches that alter lipid bilayer composition to impact membrane fluidity and stiffness, the EU-funded EXTREME project proposes to regulate cell membrane dynamics via engineering a complex extracellular microenvironment. The interdisciplinary nature of the project will provide unprecedented knowledge on cell membranes and pave the way for the development of novel therapies against membrane-associated diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Cell membrane is the most critical element that is common to all biological systems. This five-nanometer-thick highly flexible lipid bilayer is known to govern numerous vital cellular processes including endocytosis, exocytosis, enzyme activity, ion transport, cell-cell communication and cell division. Understanding and controlling multiscale structure and dynamics of the cell membrane is, hence, the key to regulate these crucial activities. So far, proposed approaches to tuning membrane dynamics, leading to its fluidity and stiffness, are based exclusively on modification of the bilayer composition that is highly cell specific. In this project, the researcher will use his previous research experience in harmony with expertise of the supervisor to uncover a novel and mechanistic way for regulating the dynamics of the lipid bilayers via engineering complex extracellular microenvironment. Beside its highly interdisciplinary and fundamental nature, this research has a significant potential to open up a new practical pathway to cure membrane-associated diseases, including but not limited to type-2 diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer. This research action will be a great opportunity for the researcher to acquire new scientific expertise, grow his worldwide collaboration network, practice key project management skills and effectively disseminate research outcomes - all of which are essential for being a successful independent academic. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologydementiaalzheimermedical and health sciencesclinical medicineendocrinologydiabetesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculeslipidsmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymes Programme(s) H2020-EU.4. - SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION Main Programme Topic(s) WF-02-2019 - Widening Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-WF-2018-2020 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-WF-02-2019 Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-RI - RI – Reintegration panel Coordinator KOC UNIVERSITY Net EU contribution € 145 355,52 Address RUMELI FENERI YOLU SARIYER 34450 Istanbul Türkiye See on map Region İstanbul İstanbul İstanbul Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 145 355,52