Project description
Molecular players of cell mechanosensing
The cell cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of fibres that plays a crucial role in mechanosensing, allowing cells to perceive and respond to mechanical cues in their environment. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the LIM-it project aims to investigate two proteins that are associated with the actin cytoskeleton and implicated in many diseases. Their precise molecular functions are unclear, but they are known to associate with stress fibres, the contractile structures of non-muscle cells. Researchers will elucidate the mechanism by which these proteins function, enhancing our understanding of cytoskeleton organisation and mechanosensing, with potential implications for treating diseases like cancer.
Objective
The LIM domain proteins LASP1 and PDLIM4 are associated with the actin cytoskeleton, and implicated in many diseases. However, their precise molecular functions are poorly understood. Recent protein interaction studies from my host laboratory provided evidence that these two proteins associate with stress fibers (SFs), the contractile actomyosin structures of non-muscle cells. Distant homologues of LASP1 and PDLIM4 are also present in muscle sarcomeres, suggesting a potential structural role of these proteins in SFs. However, several other LIM domain proteins are involved in a wide-variety protein-protein interactions and signaling pathways, suggesting possible roles for LASP1 and PDLIM4 in signal transduction, especially in mediating mechanosensing in SFs. Indeed, previous studies proposed that LASP1 is a possible regulator of translation, whereas PDLIM4 may function as an adaptor between the cytoskeleton and kinases. The aim of my work is to elucidate the molecular functions of PDLIM4 and LASP1 using a combination of proteomics, cell biological, genetic and biochemical approaches. My specific interest is to uncover whether PDLIM4 and LASP1 are structural components of stress fibers, or if they function as mechanosensitive regulators of translation or intracellular signaling.
The findings will uncover the roles of PDLIM4 and LASP1 in cytoskeleton organization, potentially providing new insights into various diseases, including cancer. Additionally, understanding the interplay between SF-mediated mechanosensing and translation may reveal new mechanisms by which cells respond to mechanical cues. Overall, this study will broaden our understanding of SF-signaling, and has potential implications for therapeutic interventions in diseases linked to SF-dysregulation.
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Keywords
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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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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00014 Helsinki
Finland
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