Project description
Modelling and simulations of condensate formation in neurodegenerative diseases
Insoluble biomolecular condensates composed of nucleic acids and multi-domain proteins with both folded and disordered domains are a hallmark of many progressive neurodegenerative disorders and diseases. Their formation is highly dependent on local conditions such as pH and temperature and on local environmental constituents such as other biopolymers. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MMultiDP project aims to develop the first quantitative computational model that enables scanning a large chemical space and temperature space. It will be used to study the formation of condensates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and autism spectrum disorder via large-scale molecular dynamics simulations.
Objective
Neurodegenerative disorders are one of the leading causes of disabilities and death in elderly populations worldwide. To this date, no established treatment can either prevent or slow down the progression of these diseases. Their occurrences and progression are strongly correlated with insoluble biological condensates composed of nucleic acids and proteins, where the latter are multi-domain proteins with both folded and disordered domains. The formation and the existence of biological condensates can be described through a combination of density (e.g. liquid-liquid phase separation) and network (percolation) transitions. These phase transitions are highly context-dependent (pH, temperature, etc.) and composition-dependent, i.e. the presence of other biopolymers, where these system variations can either enhance or suppress transitions or have a profound effect on the material properties of condensates formed. Currently, we lack computational approaches that can account for such system variations and predict the phase behavior of biological condensates. In this project, I will develop for the first time a quantitative computational model that will enable scanning a large chemical space, as well as, be temperature-sensitive. Next, I will use this model to identify the role of folded and disordered domains in the formation of condensates for two protein families related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and autism spectrum disorder through large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. Lastly, I will deliver a microscopic understanding of how certain system variations are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, e.g. pH, the presence of other biopolymers, and changes in protein sequence affect the properties of biological condensates. I will carry out this project in the research group of Prof. Kresten Lindorff-Larsen at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH).
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.
This project has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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.