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HEDoctoral network2023–2027

SurfEx · Epithelial Exchange Surfaces – From organizing principles to novel culture models of the gatekeepers of the body

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-12-01 → 2027-11-30
EU contribution
€2,723,263
Participants
18
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Epithelial Exchange Surfaces – From organizing principles to novel culture models of the gatekeepers of the body

Epithelia are sheets of interconnected cells that line the surfaces of our body and organs, such as the intestine, kidney, lung, and skin. They form essential barriers that protect us from harmful substances and microorganisms while allowing the controlled exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste. When epithelial cells fail to function properly, serious diseases can arise. In the intestine, epithelial defects can lead to infections, chronic inflammation, and impaired nutrient absorption, severely affecting quality of life. In the kidney, epithelial dysfunction can result in cyst formation and progressive organ failure. A defining feature of epithelial cells is their apical surface, which faces the external environment or organ lumen and is responsible for protection and exchange. Despite its central role, the molecular mechanisms that build and maintain this apical exchange surface remain incompletely understood. Improving this knowledge is essential for understanding the origins of epithelial diseases and for identifying new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The SurfEx doctoral network addresses this challenge while contributing to key European researcher training goals. The project integrates fundamental biological research with advanced human-relevant experimental systems, including three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, organoids, and microengineered platforms. By combining complementary model systems and disciplines, SurfEx aims to generate robust knowledge on epithelial function while training doctoral candidates in state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary approaches.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Epithelia are sheets of interconnected cells that cover the surfaces of our body and internal organs. They form physical barriers that protect our body from external insults and control the exchange of materials with the outside. To perform these functions, epithelial cells establish a specialized apical (top) exchange surface that faces the exterior. Defects in epithelial functioning contribute to many diseases, such as cystic kidney diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and susceptibility to infection. Moreover, loss of epithelial organization is a hallmark of invasive tumours.SurfEx will tackle two urgent interlinked problems that hamper progress in combatting epithelial diseases. 1) the need for highly-skilled scientists who can bridge basic research in small model organisms and cell culture with translational research using advanced 3D culture models that mimic the organization and physiology of human epithelia, and 2) the need to improve our understanding how the apical exchange surface is formed and functions in health and disease.SurfEx brings together academic and private partners from 8 European countries to establish a multidisciplinary, intersectoral training and research programme that will study how epithelial cells form a functional apical exchange surface. SurfEx unites fields ranging from genetics to materials science, microfabrication, and advanced 3D cell culture techniques. This provides an opportunity to train doctoral candidates in a unique combination of experimental approaches and methods, including breakthrough organoid and organ-on-chip technologies.Tight collaboration with non-academic partners will strengthen the technological base of different projects and provides the fellows with insights into the translation potential of the studies and career development opportunities in biomedical industry. Extensive training in transferable skills will round off the training of the fellows into creative, critical, and autonomous professionals.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT · UtrechtCoordinatorNetherlands
  • AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS · MadridSpain
  • BAC3GEL, LDA. · Porto SalvoPortugal
  • CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisFrance
  • ELEVATE BV · UtrechtNetherlands
  • EMULATE INC · BostonUnited States
  • GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET · GoeteborgSweden
  • INSTITUTO SUPERIOR TECNICO · LisboaPortugal
  • Inventa International S.A · LisbonPortugal
  • POLITECNICO DI MILANO · MilanoItaly
  • QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · LONDONUnited Kingdom
  • SCIENSEED SL · MADRIDSpain
  • Sarah Blackford · LancasterGermany
  • THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · CAMBRIDGEUnited Kingdom
  • UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE MADRID · MadridSpain
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO · TorinoItaly
  • UNIVERSITE DE RENNES · RennesFrance
  • UPPSALA UNIVERSITET · UppsalaSweden

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union