Objective Eukaryotic cells constantly convert signals between biochemical energy and mechanical work to timely accomplish many key functions such as migration, division or development. Filopodia are essential finger-like structures that emerge at the cell front to orient the cell in response to its chemical and mechanical environment. Yet, the molecular interactions that make the filopodia mechanosensitive are not known. To tackle this challenge we propose unique biophysical in vitro and in vivo experiments of increasing complexity. Here we will focus on how the underlying actin filament bundle regulates filopodium growth and retraction cycles at the micrometer and seconds scales. These parallel actin filaments are mainly elongated at their barbed-end by formins and cross-linked by bundling proteins such as fascins.We aim to: 1) Elucidate how formin and fascin functions are regulated by mechanics at the single filament level. We will investigate how formin partners and competitors present in filopodia affect formin processivity; how fascin affinity for the side of filaments is modified by filament tension and formin presence at the barbed-end.2) Reconstitute filopodium-like actin bundles in vitro to understand how actin bundle size and fate are regulated down to the molecular scale. Using a unique experimental setup that combines microfluidics and optical tweezers, we will uncover for the first time actin bundles mechanosensitive capabilities, both in tension and compression.3) Decipher in vivo the mechanics of actin bundles in filopodia, using fascins and formins with integrated fluorescent tension sensors.This framework spanning from in vitro single filament to in vivo meso-scale actin networks will bring unprecedented insights into the role of actin bundles in filopodia mechanosensitivity. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware developmentnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculeslipids Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-StG-2015 - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2015-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Host institution CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS Net EU contribution € 1 499 190,00 Address RUE MICHEL ANGE 3 75794 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 499 190,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS France Net EU contribution € 1 499 190,00 Address RUE MICHEL ANGE 3 75794 Paris See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 499 190,00
