Objective
A major goal of evolutionary biology is to reconstruct evolutionary trajectories and outcomes from mechanistic descriptions of the interactions between organisms and their environment. This goal is rarely reached due to the complexity of these interactions and their effects on fitness. Recent advances in computer technology that facilitate the solution and optimization of large mathematical systems have now brought such models into reach. In MECHSYS, I propose to develop a computational framework that builds on biochemical and physical principles to reconstruct how the interaction of the environment with plant anatomy, water transport, photosynthesis, and metabolism shapes plant physiology and fitness. Mathematically, the model comprises thermal balances as well as the balances of metabolites and water in different plant organs and in the compartments of leaf cells, using net CO2 fixation per root area over multiple days as a proxy for fitness. For a given climate and soil, the model will estimate fitness based on anatomical parameters and on systems-level protein concentrations and enzyme regulation. These estimates will allow us to rationalize the evolution and/or predominance of different types of plants in specific habitats. We will validate the model against proteomics and metabolomics data from representatives of C3 plants and the much more water use efficient CAM plants, covering desert plants as well as epiphytes. Moreover, we will simulate evolutionary trajectories towards CAM photosynthesis and succulence, two traits whose evolution appears to be interlinked. Finally, we will utilize the model to propose optimal strategies for engineering crops to become more drought-resistant in increasingly hotter and drier climates. Overall, MECHSYS will establish, test, and apply a ground-breaking, mechanistic systems modelling framework for evolutionary plant biology, which will allow deep insights into the selective forces that shape plant physiology and evolution.
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 proteomics
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture
- natural sciences biological sciences botany
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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.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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) ERC-2021-ADG
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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.
40225 Dusseldorf
Germany
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.