Ring-STORM · Mechanically-Interlocked Ring-on-Thread Molecules for Super-Resolution Imaging
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2018-10-15 → 2020-10-14
- EU contribution
- €173,076
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-ST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Mechanically-Interlocked Ring-on-Thread Molecules for Super-Resolution Imaging
Ring-STORM focuses on developing supramolecular systems for advancing the field of fluorescence imaging. For this, Ring-STORM integrates state-of-the-art concepts from supramolecular chemistry and photochemistry to develop functional molecules with tailored properties for microscopy, focusing on specific properties, which are relevant for potential biological applications. Super-resolution / localization microscopy methods are usually performed using blinking fluorophores, either engineered photoactivable fluorescent proteins (PALM) or dyes immersed in blinking buffers, which are not routinely compatible with live cells (STORM). In live cells, state-of-the-art methods are mostly limited to studies of easily accessible membrane molecules by specific extracellular ligands imaged upon binding (Universal- or DNA-PAINT). Our Ring-STORM methodology, affording autonomous blinking molecular machines, will overcome major inherent limitations of current super-resolution imaging methods offering a powerful tool for biology and medicine. This makes Ring-STORM a possible candidate for developing new diagnosis tools based on optical imaging, benefitting society. The novel “blinking” fluorescent molecular systems have an overall objective of offering a new localization microscopy method ("Ring-STORM") with potential uses in live cell imaging, without the need for overexpressing genetically encoded fluorescent proteins.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
This interdisciplinary project focuses on the development of unprecedented autonomous novel photoactive nanoscopic molecular machines that “blink” for fluorescence microscopy imaging with a resolution higher than the light scattering limit. Its use in super-resolution imaging will represent a major innovation in imaging, both conceptually and practically, overcoming many inherent constraints associated with current techniques. By applying steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies, photo-induced electron transfer will be used in these autonomous [2]rotaxanes to modulate fluorescence, and studies down to the single-molecule level (based on Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy) will be undertaken to achieve a new localization microscopy method (""Ring-STORM"") adapted for living cells, without the need for overexpressing genetically encoded fluorescent proteins.The project will be developed at leading French research institutes, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires (ISM) and Institut d'Optique (LP2N-IOGS) both at the CNRS/Univ. Bordeaux. The fellow, a specialist in synthetic organic and supramolecular chemistry from Spain, will receive via the project training in molecular photochemistry/photophysics and super-resolution fluorescence imaging, providing him the necessary skills to design, develop and study novel tailored-made functional supramolecular architectures with enhanced spectroscopic properties. For this, the project is organized in synergistic work packages to assure efficient coordination and management, career development and training, science development, communication and technology transfer by patenting the new super-resolution imaging methodology that Ring-STORM expects to develop. This will give him independence and professional maturity towards an independent research career. The experience of the fellow, the expertise of the research groups, the infrastructure and equipment will assure the fulfilment of the project objectives.""
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisCoordinatorFrance
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union