Award details

Investigating cellular plasticity in the avian primitive streak

Reference	BB/N002326/2
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Simon Moxon
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of East Anglia
Department	Biological Sciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	30,384
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/08/2016
End date	31/03/2019
Duration	32 months

Abstract

unavailable

Summary

unavailable

Impact Summary

INTRODUCTION: This is a basic science project; it addresses fundamental questions about molecular signaling mechanisms that control embryonic development. Similar mechanisms will be important for stem cells and discoveries made are therefore relevant for human and animal health. The project is most likely to have longer-term impacts in the biomedical and health science areas. HUMAN (AND ANIMAL) HEALTH AND APPLIED RESEARCH: BMP and Wnt signaling pathways are major biological mechanisms for cell-to-cell communication in humans and animals. Deregulated signaling contributes to developmental abnormalities, for example cardia bifida, and diseases in the adult such as colorectal cancer. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the specificity of the transcriptional and cellular response in different cells is of fundamental importance in order to develop strategies aimed at the use of stem cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. This includes, but is not limited to cardiomyocyte (heart muscle) regeneration. GENERATION OF A SCIENTIFICALLY LITERATE WORKFORCE: This project will train the next generation of biomedical researchers by directly supporting the academic research career of Dr McColl and by training an RA in chick embryology. Indirect benefits will come from the team's contributions to a research-led environment for teaching of postgraduate and undergraduate students, who enter many science related careers. THE WIDER PUBLIC: Members of the public are interested in scientific progress and embryo development is a fascinating topic that people can easily relate to. Understanding how genes regulate and drive this process has become easier to tackle with the recent advances in genomics technologies. This project will contribute discoveries towards this intriguing issue by focusing on two highly relevant signaling pathways that govern discrete cellular responses in the very early embryo. PHARMA AND BIOTECH INDUSTRY: Context-specific signaling mechanisms are important for drug development and longer-term beneficiaries will be biotech and pharmaceutical industry. The project will increase our knowledge base, a prerequisite to design more sophisticated drugs targeting specific pathways in specific contexts. Detailed insights into the control of cellular behaviour will also benefit regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. OVERALL this study will contribute to health improvements and to economic wealth generation in the UK and beyond, both directly and indirectly.

Committee	Research Committee C (Genes, development and STEM approaches to biology)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

Associated awards:

BB/N002326/1 Investigating cellular plasticity in the avian primitive streak

BB/N002970/1 Investigating cellular plasticity in the avian primitive streak

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