Objective
Reproducibility in development is maintained via precisely-timed execution of gene regulatory programs required to build all cell types of the embryo. However, many perturbations challenge this robustness and accelerate developmental tempo, leading to increased phenotypic variability. Mechanisms underlying this century-old observation have been obscured by variation inherent to embryogenesis, but advances in statistical single-cell profiling have revealed an unappreciated source of variability: non-uniform progression of development across cell types. Here, I propose to use a combination of ultra-scalable single-cell genomics, cross-species alignment of developmental trajectories, and engineering of developmental rate to understand how cell type-specific timing differences influence reproducibility of development. First, comparing vertebrate species with natural tempo differences, fast-developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) and slow-developing medaka (Oryzias latipes), we aim to generate time-resolved single-cell transcriptomic profiles and map variation in cell type-specific timing. We will relate timing variation to a quantitative robustness measure derived from cell composition profiles for hundreds of embryos, asking how the tempo of development influences its ability to reproducibly build a well-proportioned animal. Second, we aim to identify cell type-specific drivers of timing and coordination. Specifically, we will modulate tempo embryo-wide and test for proportional timing changes across cells by tracking responses to perturbation at the cell type level. We will then use genetic tools to promote lineage-specific acceleration of development, assessing the embryo’s capacity to compensate for an induced asynchrony. In challenging coordinated developmental progression in evolutionary, perturbation, and synthetic contexts, we will resolve how timing impacts reproducibility in development.
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 biological sciences genetics
- natural sciences biological sciences developmental biology
- 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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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) ERC-2025-STG
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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.
69117 Heidelberg
Germany
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