Project description
Insight into the mechanics and interactions of cytoskeletal elements
Cytoskeletal filaments are dynamic structures that provide shape, support and organisation to cells. They consist of three main types: microfilaments, intermediate filaments (IFs) and microtubules, each playing distinct roles in cell movement, division and intracellular transport. IFs, particularly vimentin, are less studied despite their emerging role in epithelial cancers. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the VimAc project aims to investigate the stretchability of IFs, a fundamental feature that helps cells to adjust their shape without damage. Researchers will also study the interaction between vimentin IFs and actin filaments.
Objective
Many cellular processes, such as cell shape, mechanics, and intracellular transport, rely on the organization of and interactions between cytoskeletal filaments (CFs). Intermediate filaments (IFs) are the least studied CFs, with little knowledge of their interactions with other CFs, particularly actin filaments (AFs). Vimentin, one of the most abundant members of the IF family, is upregulated during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and in epithelial cancers, its expression is associated with poor prognosis. Their hierarchical structure gives them great stretchability, which aids cells under large deformations. However, little is known about the deformation-induced unfolding of alpha helices and the parameters that drive it. This study focuses on understanding the origin of vimentin IF (VIF) stretchability by providing direct visualization of the unfolding of alpha helices within the VIFs and transition to beta sheets upon stretching under various conditions. Interactions of VIFs with AFs play an important role in cell mechanics and successful mitosis. Yet, if these filaments interact directly is still a matter of debate. The proposed project focuses on the interaction between VIFs and AFs to determine whether they interact directly at the filament level and, if so, what are the strengths of the interactions and their binding/unbinding rates. A combination of approaches and methodologies will be used, including in vitro reconstituted filaments, optical tweezers, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, computer simulation. The knowledge gained from this project will help understand crucial physiological and pathological processes. The host and supervisor are well-equipped for this project, with the supervisor's expertise in understanding IF mechanics and function as well as interaction between CFs utilizing a multiscale biophysical approach. The PF will establish a unique niche in biophysics research and a robust CV for future grant applications and research positions.
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.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
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.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics microfluidics
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy confocal microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics mathematical model
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-2023-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.
37073 Gottingen
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.