Objective
Microtubules (MTs) are dynamic cytoskeleton filaments. They permanently transit between growth and shrinkage. This famous “dynamic instability” is governed by the addition and loss of tubulin dimers at their tips. In contrast to the tip, the MT lattice was considered to be a passive structure supporting intracellular transport. However, we recently found that MT lattice is dynamic and active! Actually, tubulin dimers can be exchanged with the cytoplasmic pool along the entire length of the MT. These incorporations can repair sites on the lattice that have been mechanically damaged. These repair sites protect the MTs from depolymerisation and increase the MT’s life span. This discovery opens up a new vista for understanding MT biology.
First, we will investigate the biochemical consequences of MT-lattice turnover. We hypothesise that tubulin turnover affects the recruitment of MAPs, motors and tubulin-modifying enzymes. These recruitments may feedback on lattice turnover and further regulate MT life span and functions.
Second, we will investigate the mechanical impact of the MT-lattice plasticity. Tubulin removal is likely to be associated with a local reduction of MT stiffness that can impact MT shape and the propagation of forces along the lattice. We anticipate that such effects will require us to reformulate the biophysical rules directing network architecture.
To achieve this, we will use reconstituted MT networks in vitro to investigate the molecular mechanism regulating MT-lattice plasticity, and cultured cells to test the physiological relevance of these mechanisms. In both approaches, microfabricated devices will be used to control the spatial boundary conditions directing MT self-organisation.
By exploring the hidden 90% of MT iceberg we aim to show that the MT lattice is a dynamic mechano-sensory structure which regulates interphase MT-network architectures and possibly confers them unexpected functions.
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.
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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-COG - Consolidator 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-COG
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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.
75015 PARIS 15
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.