Objective Patterning of the vertebrate optic vesicle into proximal/optic stalk and distal/neural retina involves midline-derived Hh signalling, which promotes stalk specification. At the neural retina/optic stalk border, the cell adhesion molecule Cdon binds Hh, acting as a decoy receptor to protect the neural retina from Hh activity. How Cdon controls Hh dispersion, what is the destiny of the Hh protein accumulated at the neural retina/optic stalk boundary, whether Cdon participates in the release of Hh from its producing cells or whether Cdon has Hh-unrelated functions in the neural retina are the arising and still unanswered questions I aim to tackle in this proposal. Using the zebrafish as a model system and CRISPR/Cas9 technology I will first generate unprecedented tools to follow in vivo Cdon/Hh interaction, and then address how Cdon, expressed in both the ventral diencephalic midline and the neural retina, shapes the gradient of Hh responsible for proximo-distal patterning of the eye. I expect that the development of this proposal will provide significant advance on how morphogenetic signalling pathways operate, ultimately reverting into the field of regenerative medicine and clinical research related to congenital ocular malformations. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineophthalmologynatural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologycell polaritymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineembryology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2016 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS Net EU contribution € 158 121,60 Address Calle serrano 117 28006 Madrid Spain See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid 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 Other funding € 0,00
