Objective
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key regulator of cell growth, division, and survival. Abnormal EGFR activity is implicated in many cancers, and while EGFR-targeted therapies have improved patient outcomes, acquired resistance also develops. Recent discoveries suggest that EGFR can form dynamic protein assembles “condensates” on the cell membrane—clusters of proteins comprising EGFR itself and effector molecules for downstream signaling that may profoundly affect how signals are transmitted to downstream pathways such as MAPK (Ras), a central driver of cancer cell proliferation. However, the role of these condensates in modulating signal transmission remains unknown.
This project will use a model system—giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs)—which preserve the complexity of cell membranes but eliminate cellular feedback loops, enabling precise control over the signaling environment. Working with world-leading experts at UC Berkeley (Prof. Jay T. Groves) and Goethe University Frankfurt (Prof. Mike Heilemann), I will: (1) determine the EGFR condensate formation and how cancer-associated EGFR mutations affect condensate formation; (2) reveal the relationship between condensation and Ras activation, including potential Ras assembly into nanoclusters; and (3) examine how EGFR interacts and co-condenses with other receptors such as MET, a known contributor to drug resistance.
The study combines fluorescence imaging, quantitative single-molecule techniques, and biochemical reconstitution. Results will provide the first quantitative map linking EGFR condensation to Ras activation, offering fresh insights into resistance mechanisms and identifying potential new intervention points. The fellowship will also equip me with unique interdisciplinary expertise in reconstitution biophysics, single-molecule microscopy, and cancer signaling—skills that will position me to lead innovative, cross-disciplinary research at the interface of biophysics and oncology.
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 physical sciences optics microscopy
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy drug resistance
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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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-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global 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-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.
60323 Frankfurt Am Main
Germany
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.