Objective The emergence of the endomesoderm in metazoan evolution was fundamental for the morphological diversification of animals. It promoted interactions between different tissues that led to novel structures and organs, such as the heart, bones, and kidneys. Drosophila and C. elegans are the most well studied models within the Ecdysozoa, the largest group of invertebrate animals, but show evolutionary divergent mechanisms of endomesoderm formation. Deciphering the ancestral ecdysozoan condition requires models that form endomesoderm in a manner more representative of the clade. The marine priapulid worms are distantly related to arthropods and nematodes and thus occupy a phylogenetic position that is key to reconstructing the ancestral ecdysozoan body plan. This proposal aims to generate a detailed description of the development of the priapulid Priapulus caudatus, characterize endomesoderm specification, and understand its relationship with the establishment of the priapulid body plan. I will apply advanced cell-lineage tracing methodologies (4D-microscopy and blastomere injections) and analyze the function of core molecular components of the conserved endomesodermal gene regulatory network. This project will produce an in-depth morphological and molecular characterization of priapulid embryogenesis, thus offering new insights into the origin of the Ecdysozoa and the global evolution of animals. The project involves genuine mobility and will promote and enhance the scientific cooperation between Member States and Associate Countries at all levels, thereby increasing the Europe’s reputation as a center of excellence for the analysis of evolution and development. The proposed research will have a significant impact on my scientific career, fostering my development as a visible, independent leading researcher in the European Research Area. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesdevelopmental biologynatural sciencesbiological scienceszoologyinvertebrate zoology 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-2012-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator UNIVERSITETET I BERGEN EU contribution € 216 034,20 Address MUSEPLASSEN 1 5020 Bergen Norway See on map Region Norge Vestlandet Vestland Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Liv-Grethe Gudmundsen (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNI RESEARCH AS Participation ended Norway EU contribution No data Address THORMOHLENS GATE 55 5008 BERGEN See on map Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Trygve Serck-Hanssen (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
