Objective During the first days of mammalian development, blastomeres organize themselves into the blastocyst, which implants the embryo into the maternal uterus. Failure to build the blastocyst will result in a miscarriage and yet the mechanisms underlying the construction of the blastocyst are mostly unknown. The blastocyst is sculpted by forces generated by its constituent cells. Without a tool to study the mechanics of the mammalian embryo, it is challenging to identify the molecules and cellular processes controlling morphogenetic forces. Using biophysical methods, I have recently measured the forces shaping the mouse blastocyst and identified cellular processes generating and controlling them. This approach enables the identification of the molecules controlling morphogenesis and constitutes the first step towards a complete theoretical modelling of blastocyst morphogenesis.The aim of this project is to understand the molecular and mechanical aspects of blastocyst morphogenesis. By developing novel biophysical tools for the developing blastocyst, we will measure uncharacterized mechanical properties such as cytoplasmic and luminal pressure, adhesion strength and viscosity. The resulting mechanical map of the blastocyst will help understand the mechanisms of action of genes involved in its morphogenesis. To identify novel candidate genes involved in blastocyst morphogenesis, we will carry out a screen using live high-resolution confocal microscopy of mouse embryos injected with siRNA. Together, this will reveal the molecular, cellular and mechanical processes controlling blastocyst morphogenesis. I expect this to shed light on how blastomeres self-organize into the blastocyst and to reveal the physical laws underlying morphogenesis in general. Importantly, the knowledge and non-invasive biophysical techniques that we will develop will help developing Assisted Reproduction Technologies, which will be greatly beneficial to the fertility of the ageing European population. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesdevelopmental biologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineembryology Keywords MECHABLASTO Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2017-STG - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2017-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 € 1 191 607,50 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 € 1 497 691,00 Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS France Net EU contribution € 1 191 607,50 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 € 1 497 691,00 Third-party Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure. INSTITUT CURIE France Net EU contribution € 306 083,50 Address RUE D ULM 26 75231 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 € 306 083,50
