Project description
Cracking the earliest code of life
Understanding how human life begins remains one of biology’s greatest challenges, especially the earliest days. The blastocyst stage, when the embryo first forms distinct cell types, is critical for healthy development. But ethical and legal limits make studying human embryos incredibly difficult. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BlastChip project offers a smart alternative using stem cell derived 3D embryo models. These models allow researchers to explore how mechanical forces, like pressure and stiffness, affect early development. By combining microfluidic technology, biomaterials and computer modelling, BlastChip replicates the embryo’s environment in unprecedented detail. This could improve IVF techniques, offering hope to many trying to start a family.
Objective
Early human embryonic development is a complex process characterized by precise cellular interactions and environmental cues. The blastocyst stage, marked by the formation of the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE), is pivotal for subsequent embryonic development and implantation. While mechanical factors are increasingly recognized as influencing cell fate determination, their role in early embryogenesis remains largely unexplored.
Human embryo research is fraught with ethical and practical challenges due to stringent regulations and limited availability. To circumvent these limitations, this project leverages the potential of blastoids, derived from pluripotent stem cells, as ethical and controllable models of early human development. These blastoids recapitulate key aspects of the blastocyst, including the formation of ICM- and TE-like structures.
By integrating advanced microfluidic technologies, computational modeling, and biomaterials, this research aims to elucidate the impact and role of mechanical cues on blastocyst development. Through the development of microfluidic platforms capable of generating and culturing blastoids under controlled conditions, I will investigate the effects of mechanical forces on their growth, cell fate and maturation. Additionally, by encapsulating blastoids in zona pellucida mimicking hydrogels, we will explore the role of this unique mechanical environment on early embryonic development.
This research has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of early human embryogenesis, with implications for improving in-vitro fertilization techniques and developing novel therapeutic strategies for infertility and other reproductive disorders.
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 physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics microfluidics
- social sciences other social sciences development studies social developments
- natural sciences biological sciences developmental biology
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology cells technologies stem cells
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine embryology
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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-2024-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.
6200 MD Maastricht
Netherlands
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.