NWO M-Grants for group leaders Galli, Sonnen and Mattiroli

Matilde Galli: Understanding how cells know when and how to divide

As cells differentiate during multicellular development, they undergo cell-type specific division patterns to generate tissue and organs of specific sizes and architectures. Due to the complexity of most animal model organisms, little is known on how different cell types change their cell division cycles during development. “In this project, we will make use of the simple animal model C. elegans, to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which cell division timings are regulated during development to achieve tissue-specific division patterns,” says Galli.

Ina Sonnen: Frequency modulation of the gut

Cells in our body communicate with each other to ensure that formation and turnover of cells is tightly regulated. This communication is achieved by sending proteins to each other. “We have found that cells in the gut communicate with oscillations. Here, we will investigate how these oscillations interact with other communication paths in the body to regulate the formation of the gut,” says Sonnen.

Francesca Mattiroli: New players in packaging our DNA

Our DNA is packaged in a complex and highly dynamic system. This packaging instructs how, where and when information on our DNA is read, but it remains largely unknown how the DNA packaging is maintained in our cells. “This research project will study this, focusing on two critical regulators. We will identify the specific role of these regulators in packaging the DNA,” Mattiroli explains. As these regulators are important in several human diseases, the research will provide new possible strategies to keep our cells healthy.

About the NWO M-grant

NWO Open Competition Domain Science-M grants are intended for realising curiosity-driven, fundamental research of high quality and/or scientific urgency. A total of 84 grant applications were evaluated in this grant round, of which 21 were awarded funding.