Objective
A key question in modern cell biology is how intracellular spatial order is established and maintained. Here, we propose to investigate the physical principles of the formation of intracellular protein patterns, using a multidisciplinary approach that combines quantitative live-cell imaging with computational modeling.
As an in vivo model system we will use fission yeast, which is distinguished by its extraordinarily well-defined shape and intracellular order. In fission yeast, a dynamic microtubule transport system maintains a highly inhomogeneous distribution of the growth-promoting protein tea1. Perturbing the distribution of tea1 leads to severe defects of cell morphology.
We will address the following questions:
- How does the dynamic patterning of tea1 depend on microtubule growth and shrinkage dynamics?
- What is the spatiotemporal accuracy of tea1 pattering?
- How is the transport system affected by cell elongation?
- What are the general differences between protein transports along dynamic as opposed to static microtubules?
We will address these questions using a combination of both experiments and theoretical analysis. Specifically, we will use confocal spinning disc microscopy to measure the time-dependent 3D distribution of fluorescently tagged tea1, tubul in and other relevant proteins.
Based on the data acquired and on existing information, we will formulate a model of tea1 patterning. Predictions following from the model will again be tested experimentally, e.g. using drugs or genetic modifications to perturb the system.
This tight link between theory and experiments will provide novel and comprehensive information on generic properties of microtubule-based transport: a process that is of key relevance to protein patterning in most eukaryotic cells.
During this project, the researcher will receive extensive training in biophysics and computational modeling, thereby significantly broadening his scientific competencies.
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.
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
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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.
FP6-2005-MOBILITY-5
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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
UTRECHT
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.