Project description
Exploring the collective motility of insect spermatozoa
Motile sperm in some insects can aggregate into bundles of two to hundreds of cells, which display improved motility and improve reproductive success. Influenced by cellular traits, properties of reproductive fluids and organ geometry, this collective motility of spermatozoa in insects is a relatively unexplored area. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MOTIONSPERM project aims to investigate the biomechanics and fluid dynamics of different spermatozoa aggregates in various insect species while establishing their evolutionary context. Using advanced techniques in microscopy, 3D reconstruction and microfluidic device assays to simulate real-life reproductive models, it will study sperm motility under near-natural conditions. Research results could lead to future applications in fields such as sustainable agriculture and biomedicine.
Objective
Spermatozoa show great morphological diversity and share the function of fertilisation. They are often found as single cells, but in some organisms, such as insects, they can form aggregates ranging from two to hundreds of cells. One of the most intriguing parts of this phenomenon is the coordinated motility and improved swimming performance and reproductive success. Research on sperm motility in insects is still largely unexplored, with most studies focusing on vertebrates. The MOTIONSPERM project seeks to address this research gap by analysing the biomechanics and fluid dynamics of different types of sperm aggregates and insect species and placing these findings in an evolutionary context.
The collective motility of sperm aggregates is influenced by both their cellular characteristics and the microenvironmental conditions of the reproductive organs where they swim. These include the properties of the reproductive fluids and the geometry of the organs. I will use advanced microscopy techniques, 3-D reconstruction of reproductive tracts, and innovative measurement of fluid viscosity and viscoelasticity to perform microfluidic device assays that simulate realistic reproductive models, allowing us to observe sperm motility under conditions that closely mimic their natural environment. Reproductive traits, including sperm motility novelty, will be investigated in a temporal phylogenetic frame.
This project will contribute to a deeper understanding of insect aggregate sperm motility and its impact on fertility, sperm competition, evolution and cooperative cellular functions. In addition, the project will produce relevant and high-impact research results, potentially applicable to sustainable agriculture, future biomedical applications and public health plans in the EU. The project will also enrich my research skills in advanced techniques, enhancing my professional competitiveness and increasing my abilities and potential for an independent and successful career.
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.
- social sciences sociology demography fertility
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology entomology
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
LN6 7TS Lincoln
United Kingdom
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.