Obiettivo Cells have the extraordinary ability to regulate their morphology, functions and fate to minimal changes in the extracelullar microenvironment. Through multi-protein, cell-matrix adhesions they are able to recognize and respond not only to the chemical diversity of the extracellular matrix (ECM), but also to its physical and topographical features. Mechanical and structural cues encoded in the ECM have an essential role in healthy tissue function where contractility, spreading and proliferation are intricately regulated by cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion and tension. Unsurprisingly, abnormal ECM mechanics are directly associated with disease and tissue malformation (atherosclerosis, wound healing and tumor formation). Understanding the mechanisms cells use to sense and transduce mechanical signals, as well as the contribution of key players in the process is a pressing, unmet challenge. To achieve this goal, I here propose the development of an in vitro strategy that allows precise regulation of both biochemical and mechanical parameters in order to isolate their contribution on fundamental endothelial cell (EC) functions. The proposed work will exploit advances in materials science and nanotechnology to modulate with high precision the presentation of highly selective integrin ligands at the nanometer and micrometer length scales, on substrates with tunable viscoelasticity and mechanics. The anticipated effects of integrin engagement and substrate mechanics on ECs will shed light on how the microenvironment affects their proliferation, activation and directional migration, and help correlate these finding with pathological scenarios where blood vessel mechanics and EC integrin expression are deregulated. In summary, the proposed interdisciplinary approach will contribute both advanced tools to study cells in vitro and crucial answers for specific questions relating to EC biology. Campo scientifico medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringmedical and health sciencesclinical medicinecardiologycardiovascular diseasesarteriosclerosisnatural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologyhomeostasis Programma(i) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Argomento(i) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Invito a presentare proposte H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinatore MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV Contribution nette de l'UE € 171 460,80 Indirizzo HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8 80539 Munchen Germania Mostra sulla mappa Regione Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Tipo di attività Research Organisations Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Partecipazione a programmi di R&I dell'UE Opens in new window Rete di collaborazione HORIZON Opens in new window Costo totale € 171 460,80