Objective
A defining feature of multi-cellular living systems is the capacity to break symmetry and generate patterns through self-organisation. Our project aims to understand the design principle of multi-cellular self-organisation, using a well-suited model system: early mouse embryos. In mammals eggs lack polarity and symmetry is broken during early embryogenesis, which results in segregation of three cell lineages in the blastocyst. Progressive expansion and coalescence of fluid-filled spaces form the blastocyst cavity that segregates the cavity-facing lineage from the rest. Despite extensive gene expression studies, how molecular and physical signals are dynamically coupled for self-organised blastocyst patterning remains poorly understood. We aim to identify the mechanisms of feedback between cell polarity, mechanics (contractility, adhesion, pressure) and fate operating across sub-cellular to whole organismal scales. For this, we adopt a unique set of strategies that integrate biology and physics: advanced live-imaging, quantification of molecular and physical parameters to integrate into lineage maps, reduced systems to establish physical models, and spatio-temporally controlled manipulations for functional validation of those models. We will build up complexities. At the single-cell level, we will study de novo assembly of the apical domain in relation to cell contact and cortical contractility. For inside-outside patterning, we aim to dissect the coordinated signalling between cell position and fate specification. Furthermore, we will study how fluid cavities, a yet unexplored parameter, contribute to cell sorting, apical polarisation and fate specification through generation of pressure and contact-free cell surfaces. Ultimately, we will reconstitute embryogenesis in silico, reveal emerging properties and design engineer the blastocyst. In all, this study will set a paradigm for studying self-organisation on subcellular to organismal scales.
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 developmental biology
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology cell polarity
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy
- natural sciences mathematics
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine embryology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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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) ERC-2016-ADG
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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.
1011 JV AMSTERDAM
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.