Objective
To maintain homeostasis, cells utilize compartmentalization, traditionally achieved through membrane-bound organelles. However, recent discoveries have highlighted the importance of membrane-less compartments, known as biomolecular condensates (BCs), which form via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). BCs, rich in nucleic acids and proteins, create distinct chemical environments that regulate key metabolic processes and can be temporally controlled. Dysregulation of BCs is linked to diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Whilst the role of proteins in LLPS has been extensively studied, nucleic acids' contribution has been underexplored and attributed solely to electrostatic effects. More recently, it has been demonstrated that nucleic acid alone can drive phase separation, and G-quadruplex (G4), a non-canonical secondary structure, has been identified as a key element. G4s are formed in guanine-rich sequences and can act as crosslinking elements, promoting multivalent interactions required for LLPS. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms of RNA-driven phase separation remains incomplete. A key challenge is identifying mechanisms that reduce the critical concentration required for RNA-based phase separation, making models more biologically relevant. In MIMoSeS, I investigate the role of phospholipid membranes in promoting RNA condensation by selectively recruiting specific RNA secondary structures to their surface, thereby lowering the concentration needed for phase separation. While this mechanism is known for protein-based BCs, it is still underexplored for RNA. MIMoSeS will identify and describe the interplay of lipid membranes and RNA G-quadruplex structures as a putative mechanism for Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and will provide new insights to study RNA biology from a fresh perspective.
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 neurobiology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
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.