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Contenuto archiviato il 2024-05-29

Dynamics and regulation of cell adhesion in the control of morphogenesis

Obiettivo

Cells usually organize themselves into groups before migrating from one place to another in vivo. Most of the time, such groups migrate as three-dimensional entities and contacts between cells are highly dynamic. Unfortunately, such complex behaviours are rarely observed in vitro, where cells migrate as individuals. Therefore, although this collective migration is a general feature during both tissue morphogenesis and tumour metastasis, little is known about the basic cellular mechanisms underlying these processes. In particular the dynamics of cell adhesion and its regulation during the migration process is a question that, until now, has been difficult to tackle using an in vivo approach.

The aim of my project in the lab of the Dr Gilmour is to dissect the precise cell-cell and cell-substrate contacts within a migrating tissue and of the mechanisms that control their formation. The primordium of the zebrafish lateral line (LLp) is such a three dimensional migrating tissue, that has several advantages for this study including experimental accessibility, genetic tractability and excellent imaging potential. During its migration, the LLp becomes subdivided into 7 to 9 groups of cells, which prefigure the neuromasts, the future sensory organs, regularly spaced under the skin. Thus, the LLp undergoes very dynamic cell adhesion remodelling during migration.

Taking advantage of the multidisciplinary scientific environment of the EMBL, I propose to use a number of approach including forward and reverse genetic analysis, high resolution in vivo imaging and mathematic modelling to:
(1) Characterize the cell-cell contacts that shape the primordium during its morphogenesis
(2) Dissect the mechanisms that enable cells to rapidly create and dissolve contacts during such a collective migration
(3) Identify new molecules involved in the dynamic regulation of cell adhesion during the morphogenesis of the lateral line

Campo scientifico (EuroSciVoc)

Parole chiave

Argomento(i)

Invito a presentare proposte

FP6-2004-MOBILITY-5
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Meccanismo di finanziamento

EIF - Marie Curie actions-Intra-European Fellowships

Coordinatore

EUROPEAN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY
Contributo UE
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Costo totale
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