Objectif Communication between immune cells is crucial for regulating the magnitude and quality of immune responses. A newly uncovered means of intercellular communication involves transfer of small cell-derived vesicles. I recently discovered that vesicles released by immune cells are enriched for small noncoding RNAs, which may act as regulatory RNAs that can influence gene expression in vesicle-targeted cells. Furthermore, remarkable parallels emerged between RNAs abundantly present in cell-derived vesicles and a group of host RNAs specifically incorporated into retroviruses. These shared RNAs may underlie the formation or function of both cell-derived vesicles and retroviruses. Until now, mechanisms behind selective incorporation of small RNAs into cell-derived vesicles and their function in vesicle-targeted cells are poorly understood.Aim of INTERCOM: To resolve how the exchange of small RNAs via cell-derived vesicles contributes to intercellular communication between immune cells. Key objectives: 1. To determine the diversity and plasticity of the RNA content of vesicle subpopulations released by immune cells. 2. To explain functional differences between immune cell vesicle populations based on their RNA contents. 3. To determine the function of structural RNAs shared by immune cell-derived vesicles and retroviruses.Tools in virology research will be used in combination with several high-end technologies, which were uniquely adapted in my lab for vesicle-related research. These include a high-resolution flow cytometric method suited to analyze individual nano-sized vesicles, RNA deep sequencing with previously developed data analysis methods, and super-resolution microscopic imaging.The proposed work advances our understanding of communication processes in the immune system. This knowledge can be applied in defining vesicle RNA-based biomarkers for immune-related diseases and in designing genetically engineered cell-derived vesicles for therapeutic application. Champ scientifique natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencenatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologynatural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNA Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) ERC-SG-LS6 - ERC Starting Grant - Immunity and infection Appel à propositions ERC-2013-StG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Institution d’accueil UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT Contribution de l’UE € 1 499 806,00 Adresse HEIDELBERGLAAN 8 3584 CS Utrecht Pays-Bas Voir sur la carte Région West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Chercheur principal Esther Neline Marielle Nolte (Dr.) Contact administratif Monique Van Der Hoek (Ms.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT Pays-Bas Contribution de l’UE € 1 499 806,00 Adresse HEIDELBERGLAAN 8 3584 CS Utrecht Voir sur la carte Région West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Chercheur principal Esther Neline Marielle Nolte (Dr.) Contact administratif Monique Van Der Hoek (Ms.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée