Objective "Multivalent interactions are characterized by the simultaneous binding of multiple ligands on one entity to multiple receptors on another. Multivalency provides the basis for mechanisms of both agonizing and antagonizing biological interactions that are fundamentally different from those available in monovalent systems. Even though multivalent interactions occur broadly in biological systems, they are still poorly understood and assaying them remains a fundamental challenge. In this project, we propose a new approach to reveal the regulatory mechanisms underlying multivalent interactions at cell surfaces. We apply this approach to the investigation of the hydrogel-like matrices that are rich in the polysaccharide hyaluronan (HA) and surround many cell types. The supramolecular organization of the HA-rich matrix and its attachment to the cell surface has been associated to a variety of cellular functions and numerous biological processes, including fertility, inflammation and cancer. Our goal is to understand how multivalent interactions regulate the attachment of HA to the cell surface and the physico-chemical properties of HA-rich matrices, and how these mechanisms are connected to biological functions. To this end, we will develop highly controlled and tunable in vitro model systems that are based on multivalent host-guest interactions. Purpose-designed HA and solid supports will be equipped with host and/or guest functionalities using modern synthetic chemistry. The binding of HA to the supports, and the assembly and physico-chemical properties of HA-rich matrices will be interrogated using a toolbox of surface-sensitive biophysical characterization techniques. Theoretical simulations will help to obtain mechanistic insights into the regulation of multivalent interaction at the cell-HA matrix interface." Fields of science social sciencessociologydemographyfertilitynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydratesmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethologybiological interactions Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator ASOCIACION CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION COOPERATIVA EN BIOMATERIALES- CIC biomaGUNE Address Paseo miramon 182, parque tecnologico de san sebastian edificio empresarial c 20009 San sebastian Spain See on map Region Noreste País Vasco Gipuzkoa Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Alfonso Egaña (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
