MendoFold SIGNED

Project "MendoFold" data sheet

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 Partnership

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 Project objective

Tissue folding plays a key role in the development of all multi-cellular organisms. The aim of this MSCA-IF fellowship is to decipher the poorly understood mechanisms involved in regulating tissue folding in plants, using the apical hook as a model. The hook forms via tissue folding driven by differential cell elongation in the embryonic stem (hypocotyl) and is critical for the survival of young seedlings, since it protects the shoot apical meristem from damage as it passes through soil during seedling germination. Work in the host lab has recently shown that endoreduplication (DNA replication without subsequent cell division) is involved in hook development. Since plant cells are enclosed by rigid cell walls, it is hypothesized that tissue folding during apical hook formation involves an interplay between endoreduplication, cell wall mechanics and hormonal signals which will be deciphered by Dr. Yuan Ma during this fellowship. Simultaneously, Dr. Ma will receive training in cutting- edge techniques like atomic force microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry in leading environments such the host lab at SLU/UPSC (Umeå, Sweden) and via secondments to VIB (Ghent, Belgium) and ENS (Lyon, France). Synergistically complementing skills in biochemistry and genomics gained during his PhD, this training will provide Dr. Ma with a unique technical and theoretical expertise in experimental biomechanics, strongly promoting a successful achievement of the project’s goals, opening of new vistas in developmental biomechanics, and support the researcher’s ambition of becoming a research leader. The researcher will follow a personalized career development plan, to also enhance skills such as communication, grant writing, public engagement and student mentoring. Thus, this MSCA-IF will enable elucidation of a key process in developmental systems biology (with important applications in tissue engineering), and career advancement of a scientist with outstanding potential.