Objective
The ability of cells to engulf large objects, such as invading microorganisms or apoptotic cells, is crucial to innate immunity and tissue remodelling. The molecular basis of this process - phagocytosis - is complex, involving numerous receptors and signalling pathways. Nevertheless, the biophysical process is always the same: the cell membrane deforms and reshapes to wrap around the particle, and upon closure and abscission of the resultant cup, the particle is internalised. Although the key molecular players in individual phagocytic pathways have been identified, we still know very little about the basic biophysics common to all phagocytic pathways. I propose to fill this gap in our knowledge by creating a “minimal phagocyte”: I aim to reconstitute a minimal, dynamic actin cytoskeleton and artificial phagocytic receptors in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), thereby identifying the molecular components that are not only necessary but also sufficient for phagocytosis. Using synthetic biology to build a bottom-up model of phagocytosis should answer many open questions, including: are spatial cues resulting from particle binding required for membrane wrapping around the particle? Is directed initiation of actin polymerisation sufficient to render GUVs capable of phagocytosis? What is the role of the membrane-supporting actin cortex and how does the affinity of the receptors affect the engulfment process? Beyond phagocytosis, the minimal-model approach I propose will also be useful to study other cellular functions requiring actin-driven membrane reorganisation, such as cell mobility. In line with the objectives set by ERA-NET ERASynBio and the Horizon 2020 work programme (which identified synthetic biology as one of the “cutting-edge biotechnologies as future innovation drivers”), the creation of “protocells” will not only enhance our understanding of biology, but ultimately also result in novel biotechnological applications, such as improved drug delivery systems.
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 synthetic biology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology
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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.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
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.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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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.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
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.