Objective
During embryonic morphogenesis, cells do not only generate forces necessary for shape changes and tissue movement but also sense and respond to the forces exerted on them by neighbouring cells and tissues. Recent studies demonstrate, that these forces can act as mechanical cues during development regulating cytoskeletal remodelling, cell proliferation and gene expression. However, in most cases the molecular mechanism by which cells sense and transduce a mechanical signal into a biochemical signal remains to be discovered. Therefore, my proposed project aims at identifying the primary mechanosensitive element during Drosophila gastrulation that initiates the activation of the beta-catenin pathway in stomodeal cells in response to mechanical strain that leads to the release of beta-catenin from adherens junctions (AJ) and its translocation to the nucleus, where it activates the transcription of a key regulator gene. In order to identify the molecular mechanism that translates a mechanical strain signal into a biochemical signal I will analyse the AJ complex in vivo for molecular changes in its dynamic interaction and conformation upon mechanical deformation during gastrulation. For this, I will make use of advanced fluorescent microscopy techniques in conjunction with classical biochemical assays. In addition, I will perform in vitro two cell assays to determine the strength and type of deformation needed to induce a conformational change. Ultimately, the information gained about the mechanosensitive element will be used to design a fluorescent probe to directly monitor the mechano-activation in response to the morphogenetic movements during Drosophila gastrulation. To my knowledge, this would be the first time in vivo to visualise directly the activation of a primary mechanosensor.
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.
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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-2012-IEF
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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
75231 Paris
France
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.