Project description
Bioelectrical signals during embryonic development
Embryonic development depends on tightly regulated biological signals, chemical gradients and gene regulation. Bioelectric signals generated by ion flows across cell membranes are also emerging as key players in embryonic development. However, it remains unclear how these signals interact with gene expression. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ELECTROGENDEV project will investigate how bioelectricity and gene expression coordinate to shape early development in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. The identification of the critical points where electric and genetic signals converge is expected to open new avenues in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
Objective
Turning a single cell into a complex organism is a key biological process usually studied through molecular signals that guide cell specialization and tissue development. Although chemical gradients and transcription factors have been extensively studied, recent research highlights the critical role that bioelectric signals play in embryonic patterning and gene regulation. These bioelectric signals are produced when charged ions flow through certain proteins, such ion channels and pumps, and pass through the cell membrane. Unfortunately, because these two disciplines are frequently investigated independently, the precise interaction between bioelectric signals and gene control throughout embryonic development remains substantially unknown. The objective of the ELECTROGENDEV project is to unite these two fields and present an exhaustive explanation of how gene regulation and bioelectricity work together to govern embryonic development in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. Due to its quick growth and simple body plan, this marine invertebrate has become an invaluable model organism for researching the molecular underpinnings of early embryonic development.
In this project, I will map the bioelectric landscape during ascidian embryogenesis using genetically encoded voltage indicators and ion sensors. Parallelly, I will study a variety of ion channels, which are responsible for establishing that bioelectric landscape, and determine which ones are co-expressed with important developmental genes. Integrating these findings will pinpoint important regulatory nodes in the development of embryos, which I will then modify pharmacologically or genetically to create a full model of how bioelectric signals interact with the genetic program during embryo development. The findings have the potential to lead to new uses of bioelectric signaling, allowing us to address crucial issues in developmental diseases, regenerative medicine, and cancer reprogramming.
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
- natural sciences biological sciences developmental biology
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine embryology
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology invertebrate zoology
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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.
75794 Paris
France
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.