Project description
Real-time observation of bone formation at the nanoscale
The outstanding mechanical properties of bones are a result of interactions at the nanoscale between type I collagen fibrils and hydroxyapatite. However, the complex process of bone formation is incompletely understood. The EU-funded DYNAMIN project aims to understand the mechanism of mineral deposition and the interaction between different types of cells. Scientists will employ liquid-phase electron microscopy which, unlike traditional approaches, will enable them to visualise the dynamic changes during bone formation. Moreover, the identification of key biomolecules will provide important insight into the regulation of the process of bone mineralisation.
Objective
Bone is a complex nanocomposite with outstanding mechanical properties arising from the nanoscale interaction between its two main building blocks: type I collagen fibrils and hydroxyapatite crystals. Despite its clinical relevance, the mechanisms governing bone formation are still poorly understood, mainly due to the complexity of the processes. During bone formation and remodeling, non-collagenous proteins and proteoglycans act synergistically to regulate the mineral deposition process, participating in multiple signaling pathways involving regulatory molecules, osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
Many of the studies performed until now relayed into simplified in vitro models that hardly represent this complexity. Furthermore, methods traditionally applied only provide snapshots of this process, unable to extract dynamic information. To really understand the mechanisms regulating bone mineralization, we need to simultaneously visualize its different components in its context, to be able to monitor their interactions.
In this project, I propose to combining liquid-phase electron microscopy and immunolabelling, with which I aim to bring together dynamic imaging of a complex biochemical process and the identification of the biomacromolecules involved. By recreating the mineralization conditions inside the liquid cell, I aim to obtain real time data on nucleation sites, crystal growth and mineralization dynamics. The combination of dynamic imaging with immunogold will allow me to monitor the direct interaction of these regulatory molecules with the mineral particles at nanoscale resolution. By means of this new exciting approach I expect to provide unprecedented data on the processes of bone formation and take a step forward in the application of LPEM in biological materials.
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.
- engineering and technology materials engineering crystals
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- engineering and technology materials engineering nanocomposites
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme -
H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
6525 GA Nijmegen
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.