Project description
Beta catenin and early animal development
Βeta catenin plays a central role in the regulation of gene expression during embryonic development, particularly in the formation of the three germ layers. This protein acts as a molecular switch that helps cells adopt specific developmental fates across animal species. However, it remains unclear when this regulatory mechanism first evolved during the history of life. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CtenoGerm project aims to investigate the evolutionary origins of beta catenin’s role in Mnemiopsis leidyi, a comb jelly belonging to the earliest branching animal lineage. Researchers will track the location and activity of beta catenin in developing embryos through immunofluorescence, providing fundamental knowledge into how complex body plans evolved.
Objective
In the embryonic development of most animals, cell differentiation begins with the formation of three primary germ layers - ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. A key regulator of this process is β-catenin, which activates the specification of the endoderm and mesoderm. Although β-catenin plays a central role in germ layer specification in a wide range of animals, we lack a detailed understanding of when this regulation emerged in animal evolution. By studying the embryonic development of the comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi, a member of the earliest branching animal lineage - Ctenophora, this project aims to determine whether β-catenin regulated endomesoderm specification in the last common ancestor of all animals.
To understand the role of β-catenin in ctenophore germ layer specification, I will first characterize Mnemiopsis germ layers at the gene expression level using a single-cell sequencing approach. By comparing the results with data from other model organisms, I will determine whether Mnemiopsis germ layers are homologous to the ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm of other animals. Next, I will elucidate the spatial dynamics of β-catenin during germ layer specification by performing detailed immunofluorescence analysis using Mnemiopsis-specific anti-β-catenin antibodies. Finally, to assess the function of β-catenin signaling in ctenophore germ layer specification, I will analyze embryos with experimentally up- and downregulated β-catenin activity using morphological methods, gene expression analysis, and innovative 4D (3D time-lapse) microscopy.
Through this research, CtenoGerm will deepen our understanding of how evolutionary changes in developmental programs have shaped the remarkable diversity of body forms across living species. By applying cutting-edge techniques in bioinformatics, molecular and developmental biology, and advancing leadership and management skills, the MSCA will be a transformative experience that will enhance my career and scientific growth.
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.
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)
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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
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.
07743 JENA
Germany
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.