Objective Living matter is characterized as operating far out of equilibrium, and most of the cellular non-equilibrium processes are organized in extremely complex networks. A visible demonstration of some networks is morphogenesis, which is the driving force for the formation of patterns in tissue. In this project I aim to systematically study the underlying physical and chemical components of morphogenesis in an artificial system. The main characteristics are coupling of chemical reaction and diffusion times, spatial inhomogeneities and positive or negative feedback loops. To achieve this goal, I will assemble an array of prototype ‘cells’ consisting of monodisperse microscopic gel beads produced using microfluidic devices. Within these gel beads, enzymatic reactions will take place to mimic intracellular signaling processes, while the product of the enzymatic reactions can diffuse from one bead to another, thereby resembling cell-cell communication. The enzymatic reactions chosen for my project are self-catalyzed proteolysis and kinase self-phosphorylation, both of which will generate positive feedback. A negative feedback loop will be introduced by using the peptidase cascade by hydrolysis of a pre-inhibitor, releasing a free inhibitor after cleavage.An analysis of the reaction diffusion profile is a novel method for measuring enzyme kinetics. As a spin-off from this project, I am interested to use a reaction-diffusion between two drops for the study of interaction of enzyme with inhibitors, in order to miniaturize and accelerate an inhibitor screening. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymesnatural scienceschemical sciences 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-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator STICHTING RADBOUD UNIVERSITEIT Address Houtlaan 4 6525 XZ Nijmegen Netherlands See on map Region Oost-Nederland Gelderland Arnhem/Nijmegen Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Niels Eijkemans (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
