Innovating Works

CROSSTALK

Financiado
Opposites attract: Crosstalk between vimentin and microtubules - mechanical stab...
Opposites attract: Crosstalk between vimentin and microtubules - mechanical stability vs. dynamic adaptability The cytoskeleton is mainly composed of actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. It is fundamentally important for many cellular processes, which is reflected in its morphological and functional diversity. In the past, in-d... The cytoskeleton is mainly composed of actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. It is fundamentally important for many cellular processes, which is reflected in its morphological and functional diversity. In the past, in-depth analysis of actin and microtubule networks made it possible to reconstitute their diversity in vitro with astonishing precision. This enabled a detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying actin and microtubule network formation, which are the basis for many cellular processes. In contrast, our knowledge of intermediate filaments is still in its infancy, and we are far from rebuilding complex intermediate filament networks and their interactions with other cytoskeletal elements in vitro. As intermediate filaments are a major determinant of cellular resilience against mechanical stress and their mutations associate with diseases, detailed insight into intermediate filament network formation and properties will represent a milestone in cytoskeletal research. The proposed project will be a major step in this direction. We focus on vimentin, the most ubiquitous member of the intermediate filament family. We will investigate the role of vimentin-microtubule crosstalk as well as the relation between network morphology and mechanical stress. How do these networks provide cells with mechanical stability, while being able to rapidly change their morphology? Through a combination of biochemical, structuring, and mechanical methods we will address this question, which is relevant in many biological systems – from subcellular structures to tissues and organisms. In this way, CROSSTALK will pave the way towards a clearer picture of this heavily understudied cytoskeletal filament. It aims at integrated, mechanistic insight into the organization and (mechanical) functions of vimentin and its interactions with microtubules, which form the basis for understanding its role in many higher-order physiological and pathological processes. ver más
31/12/2028
1M€
Duración del proyecto: 63 meses Fecha Inicio: 2023-09-20
Fecha Fin: 2028-12-31

Línea de financiación: concedida

El organismo HORIZON EUROPE notifico la concesión del proyecto el día 2023-09-20
Línea de financiación objetivo El proyecto se financió a través de la siguiente ayuda:
ERC-2023-STG: ERC STARTING GRANTS
Cerrada hace 2 años
Presupuesto El presupuesto total del proyecto asciende a 1M€
Líder del proyecto
UNIVERSITAT DES SAARLANDES No se ha especificado una descripción o un objeto social para esta compañía.
Perfil tecnológico TRL 4-5