Project description
A closer look at bacterial multicellularity
In recent decades, the conventional view of bacteria has shifted with the discovery of multicellularity, challenging old paradigms. However, understanding multicellular bacteria capable of aerial growth remains limited, especially regarding their access to essential resources. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the SynneJunctions project delves into Actinosynnema mirum and Actinosynnema pretiosum, bacteria forming tree-like synnemata structures. This endeavour aims to uncover the intricacies of resource-sharing mechanisms within these communities. Through innovative techniques like translational fusion reporters and cryo-EM, the project seeks to redefine our understanding of bacterial resource-sharing dynamics. SynneJunctions sheds light on the complexities of microbial life.
Objective
In recent decades, research has revolutionized the conventional view of bacteria as solitary entities suspended in liquid media. Bacterial multicellularity, which leads to the formation of complex structures such as biofilms that comprises diverse bacterial species, challenges the outdated paradigm. Even less is known about the multicellular bacteria capable of aerial growth, raising questions about their access to essential resources found only in the substrate inaccessible to them.
This project focuses on the study of two closely related bacteria, Actinosynnema mirum and Actinosynnema pretiosum, which form tree-like structures known as synnemata. Data have revealed the presence of intercellular cell junctions, the functions of which remain elusive but undoubtedly important within synnemata. Additionally, metal distribution within the synnemata has been studied using nano X-Ray Fluorescence, indicating the presence of metals throughout the aerial mycelium and patterns of discrete, non-uniform intracellular metal concentrations.
This project aims to challenge the existing model of long-distance metal transport in synnemata. It begins with the development of translational fusion reporters, labeling membrane transporters with mNeonGreen, coupled with confocal microscopy to assess the relevance of the proposed model, depicting a restrained spatial localization of the transporters at cell junctions. Advanced cryoEM techniques will also be used to better characterize the cell junctions within synnemata. By examining metal transport and distribution within these multicellular structures, this research aims to shed light on their intricacies and potentially revolutionize our understanding of how bacteria efficiently share essential resources over long distances.
In summary, this project ventures into the fascinating world of bacterial multicellularity and resource-sharing mechanisms within synnemata, providing new insights into a novel aspect of bacterial life.
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 biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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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.1.2 - 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.
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.