Objective
Cells face a fundamental challenge: building multiple essential structures that continually renew themselves through dynamic turnover, from a limited pool of monomeric actin, the protein that forms the backbone of cell shape and movement. Despite the fundamental importance of this resource allocation problem, the mechanistic principles governing how these dynamic structures compete for limiting actin while maintaining coexistence remain unknown.
This project will crack the code of cellular resource allocation by revealing how actin turnover governs the delicate balance between competing structures. The hypothesis is that turnover kinetics serve as the primary determinant of structure’s ability to sequester limited actin resources and adapt to perturbations. We will use an innovative dual approach, based on the complementarity between a cutting-edge biomimetic system (coupled with a predictive mathematical model) and a quantitative cellular system. We will first develop biomimetic systems that reconstitute dynamic competing actin structures (branched networks, linear bundles) from purified components and shared monomer pools. By systematically varying nucleator densities and disassembly rates, we will derive quantitative rules governing structural competition and coexistence under resource limitation. We will then validate these principles in living cells, testing whether faster turnover rates truly determine a structure's competitive advantage and adaptive capacity. By manipulating turnover dynamics, we will demonstrate how cells fine-tune their architecture in real-time to meet changing demands.
This research will reveal how cells coordinate multiple competing structures from shared molecular components. Understanding these mechanisms will illuminate how life efficiently organizes complex systems from simple components—a fundamental question spanning from molecular biology to ecosystem dynamics.
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)
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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-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.
75794 Paris
France
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.