Objective
Extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical properties have emerged as key promoters of processes such as cell migration and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer. Despite recent advances in the understanding of cellular ECM sensing machinery, mimicking tissue microenvironments in vitro is highly challenging, and most research has been focused on two dimensional (2D) elastic substrates. However, ECMs are not merely 2D elastic substrates, but rather viscoelastic three dimensional (3D) materials. Our objective is to understand how the viscoelastic properties of 3D ECMs regulate cell behaviour. We hypothesize that in viscoelastic materials, counter-intuitively, an increase in viscosity triggers force transduction and gene expression, due to an increase in the load of molecular clutches formed between the ECM and actin. To address the influence of viscoelasticity, Alberto Elosegui-Artola (the experienced researcher/ Applicant) will develop a set of hydrogels matching the viscoelastic properties of both healthy and malignant breast tissue. Then, traction force microscopy will be developed and combined with molecular biology techniques to determine the molecules involved in 3D viscoelasticity sensing. The dynamic behaviour of these molecules will be integrated in a 3D molecular clutch model with the aim to predict cellular migration and force transduction. Model predictions will be validated by performing experiments in 3D viscoelastic gradients on the migration of single cells and spheroids. Lastly, the relevance of the model will be tested by observing if impairing model-predicted force transduction elements prevents EMT transition in cell lines and mouse-derived breast healthy and tumour organoids. This project’s results are expected to reveal molecular interactions that could lead to new therapeutic targets in breast cancer, and also to provide translational opportunities in other disciplines including biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
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 physical sciences optics microscopy
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology breast cancer
- engineering and technology industrial biotechnology biomaterials
- natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology
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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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017
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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.
08028 Barcelona
Spain
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.