CodeChi - Chitin, Chitosan and Chito-oligosaccharides and their Interaction with Proteins of the Extracellular Matrix and Cellular Signaling

Chitin and chitosans (C/CS) are among the most abundant and versatile polymers in nature, occurring as structural components in numerous types of extracellular matrices, such as arthropod cuticles and hydrogel-like peritrophic matrices or fungal cell walls. The structural tenets underlying the immense range of different physicomechanical properties covered by these extracellular matrices are currently unknown. Equally, C/CS biosynthesis, assembly and degradation during development, differentiation and morphogenesis as well as their interactions with other cellular components and their involvement in the communication between organisms are poorly understood. Based on emerging new evidence, we strongly believe that the molecular fine structure of C/CS (e. g. degree of polymerisation; the degree and pattern of acetylation), contributes to define the properties of C/CS-containing biological matrices and functional materials. In addition, C/CS-binding receptors of human, animal and plant immune systems trigger defence reactions upon perception of C/CS oligomers (COS) produced by the action of C/CS-degrading enzymes. Thus, we hypothesise that the fine-structure of C/CS and COS harbours a code, which we term "CodeChi" (referring to the Greek letter "chi", which stands for chito), that is "written", "enacted" and "interpreted" by a large variety of C/CS-binding and C/CS-modifying proteins in organisms that produce these polymers, as well as C/CS-degrading enzymes and C/CS-binding receptors in environmental hosts that perceive C/CS-containing organisms. The Priority Programme aims to decrypt Codec, to understand the molecular and biophysical principles of C/CS functions in nature and to utilise this knowledge for the fabrication of functional materials.
A major goal of the Priority Programme is to bring together scientists from different research areas including disciplines from Life Sciences, Chemistry and Materials Sciences. Fostering the exchange between these disciplines will lead to tangible interdisciplinary cooperation, knowledge transfer between project partners and to the creation of synergies within the consortium. Individual projects should explore in-depth at least one of the key questions and provide substantial information relevant for other projects of the consortium. To strengthen the interdisciplinary character of the Priority Programme, we very much encourage submission of joint projects of two principal investigators from different fields. We also particularly invite outstanding young scientists eligible for DFG funding to submit proposals for individual projects. We will seek to implement projects which, beyond pursuing their own research questions, will provide specific expertise and service to other projects of the consortium. These may include projects which provide core methodological expertise in synthesising and analysing C/CS, COS and C/CS-based materials with defined structures, and characterising the interactions of C/CS and COS with different types of proteins in silico, in vitro and in vivo. Scientists who wish to contribute or make use of this core infrastructure and expertise are encouraged and strongly advised to contact the coordinator well in advance of the preparatory meeting and the submission deadline.
Scientists who are interested in submitting a proposal for an individual or a joint project in the first funding period are invited to a preparatory meeting hosted by the programme committee and held on 7 October 2022, which will take place online. In this meeting, the background and the organisational structure of the Priority Programme will be presented. Furthermore, breakout sessions will facilitate networking amongst potential applicants. Participation in this meeting is not a prerequisite, but it is highly recommended for the submission of proposals in the scope of this programme. Scientists who are interested are requested to register by 1 October 2022 with the coordinator by email stating "Preparatory Meeting SPP 2416" in the subject line. We encourage all interested parties to submit a short outline of the project idea together with the contact data, a summary of expertise and 2-3 references of important articles. These data will be made accessible to all registered members of the consortium via a protected area of the SPP's website
Further Information:
https://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/announcements_proposals/2022/info_wissenschaft_22_63/index.html