Objective
For the longest time, researchers assumed that stemness is a cell-intrinsic feature. However, recently my work and the work of others have shown that specific microenvironments can restore stem cell identity in differentiated epithelial cells or induce transitions from one mature cell type to another. This instructive capacity of niches is equally important in homeostasis and disease. Like stem cells, cancer cells only survive in particular environments that nurture and protect them. This is particularly evident in the process of metastasis where only 1 out of 10 000 circulating tumor cells will find a suitable niche to grow. Nevertheless, our understanding of stem cell and cancer niches is still very limited. The main reason for this knowledge gap is the lack of suitable analysis tools.
In the course of the EnviroTag project my team and I will generate a novel type of in vivo reporter system, which can label and genetically engineer the cellular environment of any cell of interest. We will use a multidisciplinary approach that combines the EnviroTag system with single cell sequencing, 3D-reconstructed confocal microscopy and organoid technology to study the dynamic roles of niche composition during tissue regeneration and cancer progression. Focusing on the gastro-intestinal tract, we will investigate how changes in the stem or cancer cell microenvironment control success and failure during tissue repair and the earliest steps of metastasis. Thereby, we will generate a new understanding of microenvironmental dynamics and uncover new regulatory mechanisms, signals and cell types that can be targeted to stimulate tissue regeneration or prevent metastatic spread.
Objectives:
1) Establish a spatial in vivo reporter system for microenvironmental labelling and manipulation
2) Map functional interactions of stem cells and their niches during homeostasis and active regeneration
3) Identify the minimal niche requirements for metastatic engraftment and proliferation
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 basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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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-STG - Starting 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-2020-STG
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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.
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
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.