Objective
The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of complex, heterogeneous, and fibrous networks. ECM varies in different species and sexes. The dynamic adjustment of cellular behaviours to such species-specific dimorphic ECM properties is processed by transmembrane receptors named integrins in cells and essential for nearly every physiological process. Yet, a majority of in vitro biomaterial-cell studies strikingly neglect species and sex of ECMs and cells as biological variables. This causes a severe gap in the accurate understanding of species- and sex-specific cell-biomaterial dynamics and in turn discrepancy between in vitro studies and clinical trials. This project thereby aims to systemically elucidate species-specific dimorphism in spatiotemporally integrin-mediated cell-ECM mechanobiology in understanding original human cell biology and designing ideal ECM niches to develop genuine in vitro human tissue models. This will be realized by first verifying the existing species-specific dimorphism in ECMs and cells including structural/biophysiochemical analysis in purified ECM proteins and cell-deposited ECMs (Aim 1). We will bottom-up engineer 2D and 3D ECM platforms to recapitulate species-specific dimorphic microenvironments and determine how the species and sex of the engineered ECMs modulate spatiotemporal responses of cells with different species and sex (Aim 2). The integrin-mediated underlying signalling pathways with regards to cell-ECM species and sex will be then investigated to provide a thorough mechanobiological understanding (Aim 3). Finally, we will apply the species-specific dimorphic mechanobiology obtained from the above aims to better design ECM niches to precisely orchestrate stem cell fate decisions and develop in vitro tissue models such as organoids (Aim 4). DESIGN-ECM has the potential to better design in vitro cell studies/tissue models and interpret such in vitro data accordingly by reckoning with species and sex of biomaterials and cells.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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)
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.
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-2026-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.
4 Dublin
Ireland
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.