Objective
Proton channels in cells and the corresponding transmembrane proton fluxes are critical for many cell activities. Recent studies reveal that expression levels of proton channel Hv1 and its activity are highly associated with the development of many diseases, including cancer spreading, disrupted bone metabolism, and stroke, which makes proton channel an interesting therapeutic target. Yet, the full understanding of the mechanism of proton flux-related disease development is still under development partially due to a lack of direct observation method of the proton fluxes in living cells with high spatiotemporal resolution.
To tackle this issue, we propose to develop a high throughput label-free super-resolution imaging method to map proton fluxes in cells by using two-dimensional hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) substrate with proton-activated emitters. Very recently, my colleague and I found that surface defects in hBN can be optically activated by protonation in aqueous solutions resulting in intermittent emission that allows single-molecule localization analysis. The high photocounts from the emitters lead to localization with precision as high as 7 nm. Using such surface defects as an array of proton sensors, proton fluxes from proton channels in cell membranes in close proximity can be detected label-free. In this project, we will (1) artificially introduce and characterize defects in hBN that are optimized for proton sensing purposes; (2) test the photophysics of defect emitter in physiological conditions; (3) demonstrate proof-of-the-concept super-resolved mapping of Hv1 proton channel activities in vivo and in vitro.
Via this project, I will further develop my core competence in 2D materials, single-molecule sensing, microscopy and more importantly learn to design and handle experiments of the complex biological systems and bio-imaging in the host group. This fellowship will greatly improve my competence to pursue an academic career in the bio-sensing field.
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 physical sciences optics microscopy super resolution microscopy
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology stroke
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry metalloids
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01
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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.
5612 AE Eindhoven
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.