Regulation of mechanotransduction through motor-molecules activation of focal adhesion kinase in progressive fibrosis

Project description

The role of focal adhesion kinase in progressive fibrosis

Mechanotransduction is a precisely regulated process in which disruption results in pathologies including tumorigenesis, chronic inflammation and fibrotic conditions. Recent studies have shown a relationship between abnormal fibrosis and altered patterns of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity and cell adhesion. However, the mechanistic link between FAK activity at individual focal adhesions and fibrosis remains elusive. The EU-funded MECHANO FIBROSIS project aims to identify the molecular events that regulate FAK activity during force transmission and sensing of mechanical force at individual focal adhesions. The research combines innovative molecular devices, light-activated cell-specific adhesive ligands and microscopy tools, enabling controlled force application at the individual focal adhesions and measuring cell responses in vitro and in vivo.

Field of science

• /medical and health sciences/basic medicine/pathology
• /natural sciences/biological sciences/cell biology

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility

Topic(s)

• MSCA-IF-2019 - Individual Fellowships

Call for proposal

H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MSCA-IF-GF - Global Fellowships

Coordinator

LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUER NEUE MATERIALIEN GEMEINNUETZIGE GMBH

Address

Campus D2 2
66123 Saarbruecken
Germany

Activity type

Research Organisations

EU contribution

€ 264 669,12

Partners (1)

GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

United States

Address

North Avenue Carnegie Building
30332 0325 Atlanta

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments