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Linking mechanics and endoreduplication with tissue folding

Project description

The mechanics of tissue folding

Tissue folding is a common and robustly regulated process that takes place during development. A prime example is the formation of the apical hook in dicotyledonous seedlings driven by differential cell elongation in the stem. Although it is known to protect the stem from damage and support the survival of young seedlings, the precise underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The EU-funded MendoFold project is working under the hypothesis that DNA replication without subsequent cell division, known as endoreduplication, is involved in hook development. Given the rigid cell walls of plants, researchers will investigate the interplay between endoreduplication, cell wall mechanics and hormonal signals in hook formation. The project will determine key factors in tissue folding in plants with important consequences for developmental biomechanics and tissue engineering.

Objective

Tissue folding plays a key role in the development of all multi-cellular organisms. The aim of this MSCA-IF fellowship is to decipher the poorly understood mechanisms involved in regulating tissue folding in plants, using the apical hook as a model. The hook forms via tissue folding driven by differential cell elongation in the embryonic stem (hypocotyl) and is critical for the survival of young seedlings, since it protects the shoot apical meristem from damage as it passes through soil during seedling germination. Work in the host lab has recently shown that endoreduplication (DNA replication without subsequent cell division) is involved in hook development. Since plant cells are enclosed by rigid cell walls, it is hypothesized that tissue folding during apical hook formation involves an interplay between endoreduplication, cell wall mechanics and hormonal signals which will be deciphered by Dr. Yuan Ma during this fellowship. Simultaneously, Dr. Ma will receive training in cutting- edge techniques like atomic force microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry in leading environments such the host lab at SLU/UPSC (Umeå, Sweden) and via secondments to VIB (Ghent, Belgium) and ENS (Lyon, France). Synergistically complementing skills in biochemistry and genomics gained during his PhD, this training will provide Dr. Ma with a unique technical and theoretical expertise in experimental biomechanics, strongly promoting a successful achievement of the project’s goals, opening of new vistas in developmental biomechanics, and support the researcher’s ambition of becoming a research leader. The researcher will follow a personalized career development plan, to also enhance skills such as communication, grant writing, public engagement and student mentoring. Thus, this MSCA-IF will enable elucidation of a key process in developmental systems biology (with important applications in tissue engineering), and career advancement of a scientist with outstanding potential.

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

SVERIGES LANTBRUKSUNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 203 852,16
Address
ALMAS ALLE 8
750 07 Uppsala
Sweden

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Region
Östra Sverige Östra Mellansverige Uppsala län
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 203 852,16
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