Project description
Modelling cell differentiation
Cells undertake complex processes in response to multiple biochemical stimuli, which requires a careful coordination of gene expression. Transcription factors, associated proteins and target genes have a key role in gene expression regulation, and collectively they form a gene regulatory network. The EU-funded DesignerCells project proposes to develop a computational approach to model how combinations of transcription factors affect a cell's differentiation status. Researchers will combine modelling with experimentation on mesenchymal stem cells to understand the emergence of the different cell lineages. The generated workflow has the potential to be applied to various types of cells.
Objective
Gene regulation is one of the main drivers of a cell's fate and function, but current methods that infer genome-wide regulatory networks have problems with inferring causal and/or combinatorial interactions. Pooled single-cell screening technologies, such as those developed in the host lab, now provide a powerful alternative to regulatory network inference. However, as this technology matures, data analysis is now more and more becoming the rate-limiting step in inferring causal and combinatorial regulatory networks.
In this project, I will develop a combined computational and experimental workflow to infer regulatory networks. At the computational side, I will develop an algorithm that models how combinations of transcription factors affect a cell's state. The model will go beyond a ball-stick model, and investigate combinatorial logic, dosage effects, cell proliferation and cellular heterogeneity. The algorithm will also propose new combinations that may move a cell towards a fate of interest. Through multiple rounds of modelling and experimentation, I will iteratively improve our understanding of the causality and combinatorics of a regulatory network.
I will validate the workflow on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a cell type for which some (combinations of) transcription factors that drive its differentiation are already known, but for which a combinatorial view across lineages is still missing. I will first start with easier well-studied systems, such as adipocyte differentiation, and later in the project move on to less-studied systems such as adipocyte progenitors.
By integrating experimental and computational techniques, the proposed project will provide a causal regulatory network across MSC lineages, and yield a framework to generate such a network in other systems. Moreover, the project will allow me to expand my computational skill set with emerging experimental techniques and management skills which will be invaluable for advancing my scientific career.
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.
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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.
1015 Lausanne
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.