Addressing the impact of surface ectoderm and somitic mesoderm development on neural tube morphogenesis.

Project Information

Neural Tube

Grant agreement ID: 101038073

DOI

10.3030/101038073

Project terminated on 1 January 2023

EC signature date 2 April 2021

Start date 1 October 2021

End date 30 September 2023

Funded under

• SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION

Total cost

€ 157 941,12

EU contribution

€ 157 941,12

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS
Cyprus

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Neural Tube (Addressing the impact of surface ectoderm and somitic mesoderm development on neural tube morphogenesis.)

Reporting period: 2021-10-01 to 2023-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

One of the most important events during vertebrate embryogenesis is the formation of the central nervous system. The first critical event during central nervous system development is the formation of the neural tube. The neural tube emerges from the dorsal ectoderm and is the precursor of the brain and spinal cord. Defective neural tube formation leads to neural tube defects which are one of the most common human birth defects, occurring in 0.5-2 per 1000 births. Thus
understanding the morphogenetic events driving neural tube formation will give us a better understanding of human neural tube defects and facilitate their prevention. This project focused on the role of the surface ectoderm and somitic mesoderm during neural tube closure. T

The research objectives of this projects were:
1)Examine the impact of surface ectoderm development on neural tube closure
2) Examine the impact of somitic mesoderm convergent extension on neural tube closure.

Additionally the project had specific training objectives for fellow's career evelopment.

The training objectives were:

1) Development of new research skills by the experienced researcher.
2)Development of skills in communication and outreach.
3) Enhancement of mentoring skills.
4)Building solid skills in writing
5)Develop skills in grant writing and funding acquisition.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The data generated during the implementation of this project revealed that the behaviour of tissues mechanically coupled with the neuroepithelium is necessary for proper central nervous system morphogenesis. Specifically here we showed that both surface ectoderm and somitic mesoderm development are essential for proper neural tube formation. Defective neural tube formation leads to neural tube defects, which are one of the most common human birth defects. Thus our work indicated that t neural tube defects can be categorized in 1) neural tube defects stemming from defects in neural plate intrinsic morphogenetic processs and 2) neural tube defects emerging from defective morphogenesis of tissues mechanically coupled with the neuroepithelium.


Dissemination:
The data generated in this project led to two peer reviewed open access publications. Additionally this work was presented in a conference and in departmental seminar.

Additionally the fellow through social media post communicated the project's finding to the scientific community.

Furthermore this work was communicated to the general public through press release to Cypriot media.

Last the fellow participated to 2022 European Researcher's night were he has the chance to communicate the importance of his reearch and MSCA actions to university and school student.

Exploitation:

Data generated in this project were used by the fellow to submit a proposal for the call Excellence from Cyprus Research and Innovation foundation. This proposal was selected for funding (200000 euro).

Additionally the fellow submitted an ERC-StG proposal in the course of this action. This proposal was not selected for funding.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The appearance of neural tube defects in human births has been significantly reduced due to folic acid supplementation. However, is it well known that at least one third of neural tube defects are not responsive to folate. The data generated during the implementation of this project revealed that neural tube defects can be elicited by neural plate constraint defects or by defects in the mechanically coupled tissues surface ectoderm and somitic mesoderm. our work suggests that distinct categories of neural tube defects will respond differently to folate supplementation. Therefore, future studies should focus on the responsiveness of it will neural tube defects emerging from defects in mechanically coupled tissues ato folate supplementation.

Dorsal view of neurula stage Xenopus embryo