Project description
Epithelial physics during embryo development
The trophectoderm (TE) is the outside layer of the blastocyst of an early embryo before implantation. It will differentiate to create the first mammalian lumen. The ERC-funded EpiPhys project aims to delineate the physical phenomena involved during this process. Briefly, researchers will study fluid pressure, cell adhesion and contractility in the TE of the mouse preimplantation embryo. They will also characterise epithelial transport, membrane mechanics and nuclear dynamics, building an integrated view of how these physical properties govern epithelial stretching and patterning. Apart from advancing fundamental knowledge, project findings will have implications for comprehending fertility.
Objective
Epithelia operate major biological functions throughout the human body. Forming de novo during preimplantation development, the trophectoderm (TE) is our first epithelium. The TE mediates the formation of the first mammalian lumen, which involves considerable physical challenges. Indeed, pressurized fluid, pumped through the TE, fractures intercellular contacts before cells squeeze this fluid into a single lumen. We recently found that cell adhesion and cell contractility determine the position of this lumen, which then controls further differentiation of the TE. This suggests that physical cues can determine the first mammalian axis of symmetry and TE patterning. However, most physical properties of epithelia controlling this process remain unknown, as their study in vivo has been so far very limited. In this project, we will investigate how the physics of the TE shapes and patterns the mouse preimplantation embryo, by using novel approaches, such as microfluidics and optical tweezers, that allow direct measurement of physical properties in vivo. First, we will determine epithelial transport properties of the TE and their regulation during lumen opening. We will next map plasma membrane reservoirs and membrane mechanics during preimplantation development. We will then characterize how the nuclear envelope and chromatin regulate nuclear mechanics during epithelial thinning. With this broad and unprecedented in vivo physical characterization, we will determine how epithelial transport, plasma membrane and nuclear mechanics influence epithelial stretching and patterning during lumen growth and positioning. Finally, we will determine the relative contributions of these physical properties in this process, and investigate their relationship. Together, we will build an integrated view of how uncharted physical properties of epithelia control stretching and patterning, in the context of a process that is key to the fertility of the ageing European population.
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 classical mechanics fluid mechanics microfluidics
- social sciences sociology demography fertility
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine embryology
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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)
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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-2022-COG
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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.
75794 PARIS
France
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.