SurfEx: Epithelial Exchange Surfaces - From organizing principles to novel culture models of the gatekeepers of the body

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Epithelia are sheets of interconnected cells that cover the surfaces of our body and internal organs. They form physical barriers that protect our body from external insults and control the exchange of materials with the outside. To perform these functions, epithelial cells establish a specialized apical (top) exchange surface that faces the exterior. Defects in epithelial functioning contribute to many diseases, such as cystic kidney diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and susceptibility to infection. Moreover, loss of epithelial organization is a hallmark of invasive tumours. SurfEx will tackle two urgent interlinked problems that hamper progress in combatting epithelial diseases. 1) the need for highly skilled scientists who can bridge basic research in small model organisms and cell culture with translational research using advanced 3D culture models that mimic the organization and physiology of human epithelia, and 2) the need to improve our understanding of how the apical exchange surface is formed and functions in health and disease. SurfEx brings together academic and private partners from 8 European countries to establish a multidisciplinary, intersectoral training and research programme that will study how epithelial cells form a functional apical exchange surface. SurfEx unites fields ranging from genetics to materials science, microfabrication, and advanced 3D cell culture techniques. This provides an opportunity to train doctoral candidates in a unique combination of experimental approaches and methods, including breakthrough organoid and organ-on-chip technologies. Tight collaboration with non-academic partners will strengthen the technological base of different projects and provides the fellows with insights into the translation potential of the studies and career development opportunities in biomedical industry. Extensive training in transferable skills will round off the training of the fellows into creative, critical, and autonomous professionals.