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 (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
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine embryology
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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.1.1. - 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-STG - Starting 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-2017-STG
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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.
75794 PARIS
France
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.