Project description
Investigating the functions and mechanisms of novel cytoskeletal polymers
The eukaryotic cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of polymerised protein filaments that supports various functions and generates mechanical force. While we know much about networks of actin, tubulin and intermediate filaments, little is known about the mechanisms and functions of centrin networks. The ERC-funded XtrmCells project will merge cell biology and biophysics approaches to determine how centrin, a calcium-binding protein present in all eukaryotic cells, assembles into networks capable of generating forces. Thus, it aims to identify novel mechanisms controlling how cytoskeletal networks generate, transmit and respond to mechanical signals. Research findings will also enable the design of bio-inspired materials that can resist large strains and undergo extreme elastic deformations.
Objective
The ability of eukaryotic cells to generate and resist mechanical forces, locomote and spatially organize their subcellular structures relies on the cytoskeleton. The hallmark of cytoskeletal proteins is their ability to polymerize into filaments, which in turn organize into cellular-scale networks that support a variety of functions that require the generation of mechanical force. Decades of work have significantly increased our knowledge of the composition and mechanisms of force generation by networks of actin, tubulin and intermediate filaments. In contrast, the mechanisms and function of cytoskeletal networks, whose primary component is centrin remain unexplored. Centrins are conserved proteins across all eukaryotes that localize ubiquitously to microtubule organizing centers. In unicellular eukaryotes, centrins form filaments and networks that support the extreme morphodynamics required for the behavioral responses of these free living organisms. By combining approaches from cell biology and biophysics we will establish the function of centrin as a cytoskeletal polymer and uncover the mechanisms by which it assembles into large-scale structures capable of force generation in ultrafast timescales. Our studies will establish novel mechanisms by which cytoskeletal networks generate, transmit and respond to mechanical signals. Beyond their biological significance, our findings will provide blueprints for the design of novel bio-inspired materials capable of withstanding large strains and undergoing extreme elastic deformations.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
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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)
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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)
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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.
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(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
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1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
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