Objective
"The centrosome is one of the main microtubule-organizing centers in cells, spawning filaments that define the cells shape and polarity. Peculiarly, it is almost always positioned either at the center of the cell or at its periphery, rarely in between. Precise centrosome positioning is crucial: when positioned in the center, the centrosome has the fundamental task of integrating information from the whole cell via the microtubule network. Instead, its swift transition to the periphery is a key step of cell differentiation and polarization. Yet, despite its importance, the mechanism regulating this transition is unknown: several factors are probably involved and regulated in the process, including forces due to molecular motors or to the dynamics of the actin and microtubule networks. In particular, the role of the actin network inside which the microtubules are embedded is starting to be understood as a fundamental player, yet the precise physical mechanism is not understood. This project consists in resorting to the in vitro reconstitution of both the actin and the microtubule networks at the same time, to study their interaction in a minimal biomimetic system. Using an artificial centrosome spawning microtubules and embedding it inside an artificial actin cortex in a dynamic state, adding molecular motors to provide activity and confining it inside cell-sized microwells, we aim to understand how a sharp center to periphery transition can occur and what are the physical processes involved. The possibility to add different purified components one at a time will allow exploring what role factors such as motor- and polymerization-based forces or the mechanical coupling to a contractile actin network play, individually and combined, in defining and controlling precise centrosome positioning. The project paves the way for the understanding of centrosome positioning in cells but also represents an big step in the ongoing effort to build a synthetic cell ""from scratch""."
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-2022-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.
75015 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.