Objective
The lack of axon regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI) diminishes patients’ quality of life and poses a significant economic burden on the society. This project aims to investigate the complex axon guidance mechanism following a SCI scenario by applying mechanical tension on the growth cones (GCs) of central nervous system (CNS) axons via novel magnetic nanoparticles that are functionalized with neuronal cell adhesion molecule. It is hypothesized that the complex interaction of chemical and physical guidance cues at the cytoskeletal (CSK) level can be modulated by mechanically activating specific signalling pathways, e.g. RhoGTPases. To test this hypothesis, mechanical tension will be applied to multiple GCs simultaneously, using a magnetic tweezers system integrated with a microfluidic culture device, which grants exclusive access to axonal areas. The effect of tension on axon outgrowth will be characterized as a function of chemical and mechanical environment, while examining the roles of Rho GTPase signalling and CSK structure in this mechanotransduction process. In essence, this project poses a biological hypothesis that can only be tested using a combination of sophisticated engineering methods. The results of this multidisciplinary project will provide a better understanding of axon elongation mechanisms and potentially become a promising therapeutic approach for SCI. The fellow is a mechanical / biomedical engineer with experience in microfluidic neuron culture and live cell microscopy; whereas the host is a world leader in single molecule biophysics. This project will not only contribute to the scientific competency of Europe by tackling a very relevant medical problem, but also provide the fellow an excellent opportunity to gain high quality scientific training and complementary skills, necessary to obtain an independent researcher position in the European Research Area.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
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.
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.
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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF
See other projects for this call
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.
Coordinator
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.