Objective
Eukaryotes originate from an endosymbiotic merger between the mitochondrial ancestor and an Asgard archaeon, but the topology of this interaction remains unclear. Intriguingly, first analyses of the ultrastructure of Asgard archaea uncovered eukaryotic hallmark features, such as an actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, as well as a unique morphology with extended protrusions connected to genome-containing cell bodies.
I hypothesize that - despite the lack of membrane-bound compartments - the complex cell plan of Asgard archaea is functionally compartmentalized. ARCHAEAOLOGY will test this hypothesis in a multi-scale imaging approach with three synergistic objectives:
Aim 1 will systematically describe the ultrastructure of an Asgard archaeon by developing high-throughput cryo-electron tomography workflows. It will define cell states and features, quantitatively describe cellular architecture, and create a resource for comprehensive “visual proteomics” workflows.
Aim 2 will leverage this atlas in in situ structural analyses. It will reveal the structure and distribution of Asgard ribosomes, test for eukaryote-like uncoupling of transcription and translation, and uncover potential proto-nuclear hallmarks of the cell bodies.
Aim 3 will spatially map mRNA and protein localization using expansion microscopy to test whether lokiarchaeal cell bodies and protrusions are distinct compartments. It will illuminate the function of lokiarchaeal protrusions and reveal whether localized translation and cytoskeletal transport establish compartment identity.
ARCHAEAOLOGY will resolve how spatial organization preceded eukaryotic complexity to reconstruct the cellular organization of the archaeal ancestor of eukaryotes. These insights will provide the experimental foundation to re-evaluate and develop models of eukaryogenesis. Importantly, these unique approaches will also establish a framework for deciphering the cell biology of non-model organisms by integrated multi-scale imaging.
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.
- social sciences sociology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics topology
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
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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.
69117 Heidelberg
Germany
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.