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 (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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
- natural sciences chemical sciences
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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-2011-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
6525 XZ Nijmegen
Netherlands
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.