Objective
Living cells are the paradigm of energy and information processing machines. To remain alive, they avoid thermodynamic equilibrium by adopting and maintaining a stable nonequilibrium steady state (NESS). To achieve this, cells draw on external energy sources through a myriad of molecular reactions that continuously dissipate energy to the environment as heat. The heat dissipated per unit time, known as the entropy production rate σ, is the hallmark of nonequilibrium physics and of NESS itself. We posit that σ is life’s universal and most essential signature and a unique descriptor of cellular state. Its measurement provides a direct window into understanding how life works. Despite many efforts, measurements of this fundamental quantity at the nanoscale remain challenging. Recently, we have introduced a method called the variance sum rule (VSR), based on flickering signals of position and force, that enables the determination of σ in NESS systems.
Using a radically new conceptual and experimental framework, we will measure σ at the level of single catalytic reactions, single molecular motors, and individual cells -down to subcellular organelles- by combining mechanical and fluorescence measurements. We will focus on three interlaced objectives: (1) measure σ in catalytic reactions using mechanical probes, from oxidoreductases to hydrolases; (2) determine σ in single redox reactors, molecular motors, and in information-to-energy transduction in DNA and RNA polymerases; and (3) measure the σ-map in single cells, such as the thermoregulating brown adipocytes and the extracellularly active fibroblasts. Our multiscale approach will integrate mechanical measurements with optical tweezers and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of living cells, together with theoretical modeling of nonequilibrium systems. This work will yield new fundamental insights into the physical principles governing cellular function and the role of heat in living matter.
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Keywords
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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
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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-ADG
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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.
08007 Barcelona
Spain
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