Project description
Tackling fungal mechanisms of survival to fight fungal persistence
Chronic fungal infections are difficult to treat, partly because most fungi take on a quiescent state (a reversible cessation of cell growth), making them persistent to conventional treatments. This resting state is controlled by cellular mechanisms, such as those safeguarding against ferroptosis, a type of iron-dependent cell death. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PEROXISCENCE project will explore how failures in these defences can stimulate the sensitivity of fungi to ferroptosis. Through the use of yeast as a model system, the project analyses how cells redirect fatty acids to repair damaged membranes instead of breaking them down, with the possibility of uncovering new therapeutic targets. The work will shed light on cellular biology processes, ageing and chronic infections.
Objective
Quiescence, a temporary cellular state of non-proliferation, is widespread in nature. Quiescent fungi often cause persistent infections resistant to conventional treatments. Quiescence is maintained via the consorted action of several regulatory pathways. In yeast, these include stabilization of the eisosome-localized, ubiquinol-generating Flavodoxin-like proteins (FLPs), recently shown by my host labs to counteract ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death promoted by peroxidised phospholipid (PL) accumulation at the plasma membrane. Importantly, new results suggest that lack of eisosomes or FLPs disrupts peroxisome biogenesis and function, i.e. fatty acid β-oxidation. PEROXISCENCE focuses on the data-driven hypothesis that increased PL peroxidation rewires certain Membrane Contact Sites (MCSs), leading to channeling of fatty acids towards PL remodeling instead of β-oxidation, to compensate for defective repair. I will investigate this model by employing a multidisciplinary approach, including genetics, a split-Venus-based screening of peroxisomal MCSs, lipidomics and a secondment for training in STED microscopy, with the goals to 1) identify the enzymes involved in PL remodeling and determine their role in counteracting ferroptosis, 2) determine if eisosomes and PL peroxidation regulate fatty acid flux by affecting MCSs, and 3) elucidate the role of Pex11, a protein implicated in the formation of tethers at peroxisomal MCSs. The outputs of PEROXISCENCE are expected to provide novel scientific knowledge with an impact on the fields of cell biology, ferroptosis, aging, and fungal pathogenicity. Furthermore, understanding the mechanisms of lipid homeostasis in quiescence could lead to the identification of innovative ways to tackle persistent fungal infections. With a strong background in molecular microbiology and microbial biotechnology, PEROXISCENCE is the ideal project for expanding my expertise in the field of cell and molecular biology of S. cerevisiae.
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 human-validated.
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 human-validated.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology mycology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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.
1050 BRUXELLES
Belgium
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.