Objective
Research objectives, and content
Phagocytosis and phagosome-lysosome (PLF) fusion are key events in killing of microorganisms. Certain bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tubercolosis (Mtb) and Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), can survive within phagosomes which do not fuse with lysosomes. Recent evidence suggested that protein tyrosine phosphorylation may represent a key signal in mediating phagocytosis and PLF. My project is to address several topics related to the role played by tyrosine kinases in phagocytosis of pathogens and in PLF. These topics can be summarized as follows. 1. Activation of tyrosine kinase activities during phagocytosis of complement- or IgG-opsonized particles, and Mtb and Ct in human neutrophils and monocytes. This topic will be addressed analyzing activity of distinct tyrosine kinases in phagocytes challenged with injecstible particles. Kinases analyzed will be Src-family tyrosine kinases (Lyn, Fgr, Hck) and p72syk. The specific aim of this line of experimentation is to identify kinases involved in phagocytosis and possibly PLF 2. Redistribution of tyrosine kinases, tyrosine phosphorylated and cytoskeletal proteins and annexins to the phagosome surface following phagocytosis of complement- or IgG-opsonized particles, and Mtb and Ct. This topic will be addressed by fluorescence microscopy analysis. The specific aim of this line of experimentation is to define proteins redistributed to the phagosomal membrane and possible alterations of this redistribution during phagocytosis of Mtb and Ct. 3. Analysis of phagocytosis, PLF and bacterial growth and survival in neutrophils and macrophages isolated from mice with the selective deficiency of the Src-family tyrosine kinases Fgr, Hck and Lyn. This topic will be addressed by using phagocytes from mice with targeted disruption of genes eneoding Sre-family tyrosine kinases. The specific aim of this line of experimentation is to provide a formal proof of the possible role of Src family kinases in phagocytosis, reorganization of the cytoskeleton and PLF during phagocytosis of Mtb and Ct.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
One of the main topic of the research activity of the laboratory in which I have been working has been elucidation of transmembrane signaling involved in phagocytosis and PLF. The expertise I acquired matches perfectly with the interest of the laboratory of Dr. Giorgio Berton on the role of tyrosine kinases in signaling in phagocytic cells. The benefit of combining these two different expertise in one well defined research project is to elucidate new aspects of regulation of phagocytosis and PLF. I expect to acquire new methodologies to study transmembrane signaling and exploit these to push a step forward the understanding of mechanism of regulation of phagocytosis and PLF.
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 biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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.
Coordinator
37134 VERONA
Italy
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.