Project description
How tiny hubs inside cells control cell functions
Cells rely on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to sense and respond to their environment. They control vital functions such as hormone action and cell communication. Traditionally, GPCRs were thought to signal through freely moving messengers like cAMP, but this model cannot successfully explain how specific responses are achieved when multiple receptors are active. The ERC-funded CLARITY project proposes a groundbreaking idea: GPCRs form localised nanoswitches that precisely control cAMP signalling at specific locations within cells. Researchers will use cutting-edge imaging and proteomics tools to map these nanoswitches and explore their role in processes such as insulin secretion. The proposed research could transform drug discovery, enabling highly targeted therapies with fewer side effects.
Objective
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) relay extracellular information across the cell membrane to mediate most physiological cell functions. Many cell-surface GPCRs stimulate the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a diffusible second messenger, to elicit receptor-specific, long-range cell functions. However, given the mobility of second messengers, this canonical model fails to explain receptor-specific functions across multiple GPCRs that signal via cAMP.
This application proposes that GPCRs, in dramatic contrast to the second messenger concept, form highly-localized, nanometer-size cAMP signaling units at various subcellular locations, i.e. subcellular GPCR nanoswitches. At these locations, GPCR nanoswitches tightly control cAMP signaling at the nanometer scale in a receptor- and location-specific manner. These nanoswitches enable cells to retain the spatial-ID of every cAMP molecule and, thus, allow precise, spatially encoded, and receptor-specific cell functions even in the presence of multiple co-activated receptors.
The combination of cutting-edge technologies such as genetically encoded Foerster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors, fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM)-FRET multiplexing, and advanced proximity proteomics, will enable mapping the architecture and dynamics of these subcellular GPCR nanoswitches at nanometer scales. This proposal will then explore how endogenous GPCR nanoswitches control insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells in response to endogenous incretins as well as licensed obesity drugs. This will establish the physiological relevance of subcellular GPCR nanoswitches.
If successful, this proposal has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of cell signaling and to fundamentally transform GPCR drug discovery, offering opportunities for the development of location-specific drugs with reduced side effects that precisely modulate individual subcellular GPCR nanoswitches
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.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors biosensors
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- medical and health sciences health sciences nutrition obesity
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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)
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)
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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.
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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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-COG
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55131 Mainz
Germany
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