Project description
Engineering synthetic cells with built-in timing control
Synthetic cells are artificial structures that mimic the behaviour of living cells. Researchers have the ability to engineer synthetic cells to produce proteins and communicate with one another. However, programming when specific functions occur within these systems remains an unsolved challenge. Precise temporal control is essential for applications ranging from multi-stage drug delivery to autonomous environmental remediation. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SynChro project will build the first synthetic cellular stopwatch by engineering a network of synthetic cell populations that become activated through sequential chemical signalling. Timing will be tuned by varying different parameters and facilitated by controlled cargo release. This modular platform will open new possibilities in biotechnology and precision medicine.
Objective
SynChro’s main objective is to establish the first synthetic stopwatch by engineering modular synthetic cell networks with intrinsic temporal control of gene expression. While encapsulating transcription-translation systems in liposomes has enabled synthetic cells capable of protein production and communication, no robust strategy exists to autonomously program when functions occur.
SynChro will address this gap by interconnecting three synthetic cell populations through enzymatic production of membrane-permeant signals, where output of one population triggers the next. Timing will be adjusted by using three complementary levers (enzymatic activity, receptor abundance, membrane permeability) yielding a modular platform for programmable delays and sequential activation. Utility will be provided through sequential time-controlled release of pre-encapsulated cargo.
Hosted at Imperial College London under the supervision of Prof. Yuval Elani, SynChro combines cutting edge expertise with an excellent training environment. Beyond advancing fundamental insight in timing control of biological networks, this project paves the way for next-generation biotechnologies, from single-shot multistage vaccines to autonomous bioremediation. Hence, SynChro directly contributes to Horizon Europe’s priority of strategic autonomy in biotechnology. At the same time, it advances MSCA’s mission by training the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists and fostering international, cross-sectoral collaborations across European partners.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.
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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
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
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(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.
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.