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H2020Doctoral network2015–2019

PolarNet · Principles of Polarity – Integrating genetic, biophysical and computational approaches to understand cell and tissue polarity

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2015-10-01 → 2019-09-30
EU contribution
€3,935,969
Participants
13
Scheme
MSCA-ITN-ETN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Principles of Polarity – Integrating genetic, biophysical and computational approaches to understand cell and tissue polarity

The ability to generate an axis of polarity is a fundamental property of animal cells that is a prerequisite for many cellular functions. Migrating cells for example establish a front-rear axis, and distribute specific protein components to the front and rear compartments. In development, cell polarity is critical for the generation of different cell types through asymmetric cell divisions. Finally, many cell types need to establish functionally distinct domains to perform their functions. The importance of cell polarity is underscored by the fact that cell polarity is essential for animal development and is perturbed in disease states such as cancer. Understanding of cell polarity requires knowledge of the molecular players involved and a quantitative description of their biochemical interactions, as well as the mechanical processes underlying polarity establishment and maintenance. The main objectives of PolarNet were to improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying cell polarity, to provide rigorous training to ESRs, and to increase awareness of polarity research and disseminate PolarNet’s scientific accomplishments. PolarNet brought together experts in molecular, cell and developmental biology, biochemistry, biophysics, microscopy, and mathematical modelling. PolarNet provided individual research projects to 15 ESRs, organized in three thematic work packages, and organized twice-yearly network wide training events. Results are summarized here and in more detail in deliverables D1-15.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

The ability of cells to polarize underlies the most basic biological functions such as motility and response to external challenges, but also the formation and maintenance of tissues in a multicellular organism. The importance of cell polarity is underscored by the fact that cell polarity is essential for animal development and is perturbed in disease states such as cancer. Understanding cell polarity requires knowledge of the molecular players involved and a quantitative description of their biochemical interactions, as well as the mechanical processes underlying polarity establishment. PolarNet brings together academic and private partners from 7 European countries to establish a multidisciplinary, intersectoral training and research programme that will study the basic principles of cell polarity. The research will combine complementary model systems ranging from fungi and cultured mammalian cells to whole organisms, and employ a broad set of approaches such as advanced genetics, protein biochemistry, high-resolution live imaging and image analysis, biophysics and theoretical modelling. This setting provides an opportunity to train early stage researchers in a unique combination of experimental and theoretical approaches. This will provide an excellent starting point for a successful career in the rapidly expanding field of multidisciplinary or ‘integrative’ biology. Training Europe’s next generation of scientists at the forefront of cell and organismal polarity research is crucial for progress in several medically important fields, including cancer research and stem cell biology. The tight collaboration with non-academic partners will strengthen the technological base of different projects and provide early stage researchers with insights into the translation potential of the performed studies and the career development opportunities in biomedical industry.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union