Project description
Looking deep into the skin’s architecture
Our skin consists of three layers, each with distinct functions. The outer epidermis layer also has multiple layers representing different stages of keratinocyte differentiation and its integrity relies on the interaction of these cells with the lipid matrix. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the cryoDerm project will study the organisation of the epidermis. Researchers will employ advanced cryo-electron microscopy and focus on the role of keratin microfilaments on skin resilience and strength as well as on lipid formation. The work will provide a high-resolution picture of the skin architecture, central to the understanding of skin homeostasis and health.
Objective
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It has a variety of functions and it is organized in three different layers, the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, all three of which have a different anatomy and function. The epidermis itself is also composed of several layers divided from the inside to the outside and these layers illustrate the various stages of keratinocyte differentiation, which is the process by which the basal layer proliferates and produces new cells that will differentiate towards the skin’s surface. Skin integrity is maintained by the relationship between keratinocytes and the specialized matrix of lipids they are embedded in. This project will use state-of-the-art cryo-focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy lift-out milling and cryo-electron tomography of natively preserved skin tissue to obtain insights into the ultrastructural organization of the epidermis. More specifically we aim to describe and quantify how the keratin microfilaments network is arranged throughout the skin layers and contributes to skin resilience and strength, and in what way this organization is correlated to the lipid formation and delivery. Our initial results reveal new insights into the architecture of the outermost skin layers, specifically their intermediate filaments organization and lipid layer organization to provide strength and separation between different cell layers, respectively. ISTA is the ideal research institute for this project, due to the abundant access to high-end electron microscopes necessary for this project achievement. The outcome of this will be a high resolution in situ structure architecture that will allow a better understanding of skin homeostasis. Results will be disseminated through key research conferences and high-impact open-access publications. Communication activities will be achieved through 3D rendered visual scientific illustrations targeting social media platforms and institute-organized public outreach events.
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.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine anatomy and morphology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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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-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.
3400 Klosterneuburg
Austria
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.