Objective
The cytoskeleton is a complex and highly dynamic network of protein filaments, motors, regulatory agents - such as cross-linkers or bundlers - and membranes, that gives eukaryotic cells their shape and mechanical strength and drives dynamic cell functions such as cell locomotion, division, and growth.
I will explore how the microscopic structure and the active and passive dynamics of the cytoskeleton determine cellular mechanics. I aim towards a quantitative physical understanding of the molecular mechanisms of dynamic cell functions. This requires a dual approach, integrating in vitro studies of active cytoskeletal protein networks with in vivo investigations of cells.
The influences of cross-linking and motor proteins on the microstructure and micromechanics of cytoskeletal networks will be studied using networks of reconstituted actin filaments. I will compare bundled and isotropically cross-linked actin networks, and study the non-equilibrium properties created by the activity of tension-generating motor proteins.
Since the cytoskeleton is intrinsically heterogeneous it will be essential to use and develop microrheological techniques that can resolve local variations of mechanical properties on a micrometer scale. Colloidal probe particles will be inserted into in vitro networks and living cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, osteocytes, and neurons), and their thermal motion will be monitored with light microscopy, laser interferometry, and diffusing wave spectroscopy.
I will use active manipulation of the probe particles with optical tweezers to examine the non-linear regime of the viscoelastic response. The project is highly interdisciplinary, since it integrates cell biology and biochemistry with soft condensed matter and polymer physics, statistical mechanics, and cutting-edge optical technology.
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: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics soft matter physics
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics statistical mechanics
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
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.
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.
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.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-6
See other projects for this call
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.
OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships
Coordinator
AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
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.