BIOTORQUE

Probing the angular dynamics of biological systems with the optical torque wrench

Coordinatore	CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE    more Spiacenti, non ci sono informazioni su questo coordinatore. Contattare Fabio per maggiori infomrazioni, grazie.
Nazionalità Coordinatore	France [FR]
Totale costo	1˙500˙000 €
EC contributo	1˙500˙000 €
Programma	FP7-IDEAS-ERC Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)
Code Call	ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Funding Scheme	ERC-SG
Anno di inizio	2013
Periodo (anno-mese-giorno)	2013-01-01   -   2017-12-31

 Partecipanti

#	participant	country	role	EC contrib. [€]
1	CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE  Organization address address: Rue Michel -Ange 3 city: PARIS postcode: 75794 contact info Titolo: Dr. Nome: Francesco Cognome: Pedaci Email: send email Telefono: +33 4 67 41 79 12 Fax: +33 4 67 41 79 13	FR (PARIS)	hostInstitution	1˙500˙000.00
2	CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE  Organization address address: Rue Michel -Ange 3 city: PARIS postcode: 75794 contact info Titolo: Mr. Nome: Jocelyn Cognome: Mere Email: send email Telefono: +33 4 67 61 35 35 Fax: +33 4 67 04 32 36	FR (PARIS)	hostInstitution	1˙500˙000.00

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The ability to apply forces to single molecules and bio-polymers has fundamentally changed the way we can interact with and understand biological systems. Yet, for many cellular mechanisms, it is rather the torque that is the relevant physical parameter. Excitingly, novel single-molecule techniques that utilize this parameter are now poised to contribute to novel discoveries. Here, I will study the angular dynamical behavior and response to external torque of biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels using the new optical torque wrench that I recently developed.

In a first research line, I will unravel the angular dynamics of the e.coli flagellar motor, a complex and powerful rotary nano-motor that rotates the flagellum in order to propel the bacterium forwards. I will quantitatively study different aspects of torque generation of the motor, aiming to connect evolutionary, dynamical, and structural principles. In a second research line, I will develop an in-vivo manipulation technique based on the transfer of optical torque and force onto novel nano-fabricated particles. This new scanning method will allow me to map physical properties such as the local viscosity inside living cells and the spatial organization and topography of internal membranes, thereby expanding the capabilities of existing techniques towards in-vivo and ultra-low force scanning imaging.

This project is founded on a multidisciplinary approach in which fundamental optics, novel nanoparticle fabrication, and molecular and cellular biology are integrated. It has the potential to answer biophysical questions that have challenged the field for over two decades and to impact fields ranging from single-molecule biophysics to scanning-probe microscopy and nanorheology, provided ERC funding is granted.'