Project description
Dissecting the mechanism of asymmetric division during development
The processes that determine the anterior–posterior body axis and patterning of the embryo are highly complex and depend on the asymmetric division of cells during development. The process of cell fate determination is driven by an asymmetric distribution of developmental determinants in each daughter cell. The EU-funded ACRO project is investigating the mechanisms that orchestrate this asymmetric distribution and reorganisation of the cytoplasm. Researchers will employ ascidian eggs as a model organism and undertake proteomics and transcriptomics analyses to decipher the precise positioning of developmental determinants. Results will provide fundamental information on the conservation and evolution of embryogenesis.
Objective
What makes a head different from a tail? In many animals, the asymmetries that underlieThe asymmetric distribution of cytoplasmic domains and RNAs is critical for asymmetric cell division and fate determination. Therefore, unraveling the mechanisms that drive the asymmetric distribution of the cytoplasm is essential for understanding animal development. Once fertilized, ascidian eggs undergo a massive cytoplasmic reorganization that precisely localizes developmental determinants (proteins and RNAs) to establish the anterior-posterior body axis. Following this reorganization, an invariant cleavage pattern predictably segregates determinants asymmetrically into blastomeres, conferring differential cell fates. Thus, polarity in the ascidian egg determines the body plan of the whole animal. Despite its vital role in establishing embryonic patterning, remarkably little is known about the mechanisms that orchestrate cytoplasmic reorganization and the distribution of developmental factors. In this project, I will use develop a multidisciplinary approach, combining high-resolution microscopy and force and cell shape manipulations, proximity biotinylation, proteomics, and transcriptomics to address the following fundamental questions: 1) What mechanisms regulate cytoplasmic reorganization and anterior-posterior polarity in the ascidian egg? 2) How is cytoplasmic reorganization translated into the precise positioning of developmental determinants? This study will shed light on the processes that define the anterior-posterior body axis and pattern of development in ascidians and deepen our understanding of how embryogenesis is conserved and has evolved among chordates. Throughout this project, I will not only acquire new technical skills but also build upon my project management, communication, and leadership skills towards my goal of becoming an independent researcher investigating how the cytoskeleton establishes cellular morphology and organization to inform cell function.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- natural sciences biological sciences developmental biology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020
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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.
3400 Klosterneuburg
Austria
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.