Objective
Stem cell (SC) proliferation during development requires tight spatial and temporal regulation to ensure correct cell number and right cell types are formed at the proper positions. Currently very little is known about how SCs are regulated during development. Specifically, it is unclear how SC waves of proliferation are regulated and how the fate of their progeny changes during development. In addition, it has recently become evident that metabolism provides additional complexity in cell fate regulation, highlighting the need for integrating metabolic information across physiological levels.
This project will answer the question of how the combination of metabolic state and temporal cues (animal developmental stage) regulate SC fate. I will use Drosophila melanogaster, an animal complex enough to be similar to higher eukaryotes and yet simple enough to dissect the mechanistic details of cell regulation and its impact on the organism. Drosophila neural stem cells, the neuroblasts (NB), are a fantastic model of temporally and metabolically regulated cells. NB lineage fate changes with time, directing the generation of a stereotypical set of neurons, after which they disappear. I have previously found that metabolism is an important regulator of NB cell cycle exit, which occurs in response to an increase in levels of oxidative phosphorylation.
Using a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, cell type/age sorting, multi-omics analysis, fixed and 3D-live NB imaging and metabolite dynamics, I propose an integrative approach to investigate how NBs are regulated in the developing animal. First I will dissect the mechanisms by which metabolism regulates NB fate. Second, I will investigate how metabolism contributes to NB unlimited proliferation and brain tumors. Finally, we will address how temporal transcription factors and hormones dynamically affect cell fate decisions during development.
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-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.
1099 085 Lisboa
Portugal
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.