Project description
Molecular mechanisms of multiple fission regulation in green microalgae
While most eukaryotic cells divide into two daughter cells, many green microalgae can produce multiple daughters in a single cycle (multiple fission), enabling rapid proliferation under favourable conditions. Despite its biological and biotechnological significance, the molecular machinery controlling this process remains almost entirely unknown. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MULLEM project aims to uncover the conserved genetic mechanisms governing multiple fission across green microalgae. Combining time-resolved gene expression analysis (an advanced transcriptomic technique), functional genetics and evolutionary comparisons across three typical and one atypical algal species, MULLEM will deliver the first molecular framework for multiple fission control, potentially unleashing new approaches to harnessing microalgae in sustainable biotechnology.
Objective
"Cell division is fundamental to life, but its regulation differs greatly across eukaryotes. While most divide by binary fission, producing two daughter cells per cycle, many green micro-algae divide by multiple fission, where one cell produces several daughters. This strategy supports rapid proliferation when conditions are favourable. A central checkpoint, the commitment point, ensures that only sufficiently grown cells proceed to division.
Despite its importance, the molecular basis of multiple fission remains largely unknown. Current models describe it as a size-dependent ""sizer–oscillator"" system, but the identity of key regulatory components is still unknown.
The MULLEM project (MULtiple fission in micro-aLgaE: uncovering conserved Mechanisms) will fill this gap by combining comparative transcriptomics, functional genetics and evolutionary analyses. Time-resolved RNA-seq across three green microalgae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella sorokiniana, Scenedesmus quadricauda) and a diatom out-group (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) will highlight conserved candidate genes. These will be functionally validated through loss-of-function studies, complementation assays and live-cell imaging in Chlorella and Chlamydomonas. Double mutant analyses in Chlamydomonas will then reconstruct regulatory hierarchies, delivering the first molecular framework for multiple fission control.
By revealing the molecular drivers of multiple fission, MULLEM will advance our understanding of eukaryotic division strategies and open new avenues to exploit multiple fission for sustainable biotechnology. The fellowship will strengthen the fellow’s expertise in algal genetics and comparative genomics, providing a strong platform for future independent research leadership.
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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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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's classification has been human-validated.
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)
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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-2025-PF
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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.
142 00 PRAHA 4
Czechia
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