Project description
New approach to studying pattern formation of vertebrate structures
As one of the earliest vertebrates, sharks hold important clues about the evolution of biological patterning. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MechChem project will investigate how their denticles (scales) form through a combination of mechanical forces and chemical signals, a process known as mechanochemical patterning. While chemical mechanisms such as reaction-diffusion are well studied, further study on the integration of mechanical cues will greatly increase understanding of biological patterning. Using cutting-edge imaging and biophysical techniques, the proposed research will explore the under-researched mechanochemical dynamics in sharks and compare them to feather and scale patterning in birds. By studying these systems across diverse species, MechChem aims to reveal how mechanochemical processes have shaped the development and evolution of vertebrate structures.
Objective
Biological patterning involves the spatial organisation of cells and tissues from homogenous states into complex forms, and therefore underlies the development of all living systems. Classical research has focused upon chemical (including molecular) patterning processes, such as Turing reaction-diffusion (RD). In such RD systems, interactions of diffusing activatory and inhibitory morphogens produce stable patterns which dictate the spatial organisation of biological structures. Recent work has shown that mechanochemical processes, in which mechanical cues are integrated with chemical signalling, also contribute to patterning. For example, the mechanical contraction of dermal cells triggers chemical RD patterning of feathers in the chicken. The discovery of mechanochemical processes has constituted a paradigm shift in our knowledge of pattern formation. However, to go beyond the state-of-the-art and obtain a comprehensive evolutionary and developmental understanding of mechanochemical patterning, we must examine these systems in evolutionarily diverse species. MechChem will examine the mechanochemical patterning of denticles (or scales) in the embryonic shark. As sharks belong to an early-diverging vertebrate lineage (the cartilaginous fishes), they occupy the sister lineage of bony vertebrates. Previously, I revealed broad conservation of chemical RD dynamics between both denticle and feather patterning. However, integrated mechanochemical systems in the shark remain unexplored. Using state-of-the-art techniques in fluorescent imaging and biophysical analysis, MechChem will characterise and manipulate mechanical elements of denticle development, to elucidate the roles of mechanochemical patterning. Results will be compared to published work regarding feather patterning and new data concerning avian scale patterning, yielding important evolutionary conclusions regarding the role of mechanochemical systems in mediating biological patterning across the vertebrates.
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Keywords
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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)
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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
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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S10 2TN SHEFFIELD
United Kingdom
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