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Epithelial Exchange Surfaces – From organizing principles to novel culture models of the gatekeepers of the body

Project description

Intersectoral training and research combatting epithelial diseases

Epithelia consist of cell layers that shield our body from external threats and regulate the exchange of materials with the surrounding environment. Malfunctions in these layers lead to diseases, and the disruption of epithelial organisation is a characteristic feature of tumours. The MSCA-funded SurfEx project addresses two critical challenges in tackling epithelial diseases. Firstly, there is a demand for highly skilled scientists capable of bridging basic research in small model organisms and cell culture with translational research employing advanced 3D culture models that replicate the organisation and physiology of human epithelia. Secondly, there is a need to enhance our understanding of how the apical exchange surface shapes and functions in both health and disease. The project aims to establish a multidisciplinary, intersectoral training and research programme.

Objective

Epithelia are sheets of interconnected cells that cover the surfaces of our body and internal organs. They form physical barriers that protect our body from external insults and control the exchange of materials with the outside. To perform these functions, epithelial cells establish a specialized apical (top) exchange surface that faces the exterior. Defects in epithelial functioning contribute to many diseases, such as cystic kidney diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and susceptibility to infection. Moreover, loss of epithelial organization is a hallmark of invasive tumours.
SurfEx will tackle two urgent interlinked problems that hamper progress in combatting epithelial diseases. 1) the need for highly-skilled scientists who can bridge basic research in small model organisms and cell culture with translational research using advanced 3D culture models that mimic the organization and physiology of human epithelia, and 2) the need to improve our understanding how the apical exchange surface is formed and functions in health and disease.
SurfEx brings together academic and private partners from 8 European countries to establish a multidisciplinary, intersectoral training and research programme that will study how epithelial cells form a functional apical exchange surface. SurfEx unites fields ranging from genetics to materials science, microfabrication, and advanced 3D cell culture techniques. This provides an opportunity to train doctoral candidates in a unique combination of experimental approaches and methods, including breakthrough organoid and organ-on-chip technologies.
Tight collaboration with non-academic partners will strengthen the technological base of different projects and provides the fellows with insights into the translation potential of the studies and career development opportunities in biomedical industry. Extensive training in transferable skills will round off the training of the fellows into creative, critical, and autonomous professionals.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-DN-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT
Net EU contribution
€ 823 111,20
Address
HEIDELBERGLAAN 8
3584 CS Utrecht
Netherlands
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (5)

Partners (12)