Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet NINTCORDEV (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Development of the cortex requires intricate orchestration of progenitor self-renewal and neuronal differentiation, subtype specification, migration and integration in neuronal circuits. Disturbance of any of these processes has been linked to a variety of developmental disorders, including Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS). CdLS is highlighted by intellectual disability and seizures and most frequently caused by mutations in the cohesin loading factor NIPBL. Our previous work showed that Nipbl interacts with the neuronal transcription factor Zfp609 and the Integrator complex to regulate cortical neuron migration in mouse embryos. Furthermore, INTS1 and INTS8 mutations were recently reported to cause a severe neurodevelopmental syndrome in humans. This proposal aims to identify the human neurodevelopmental defects caused by INTS1 and INTS8 mutations and NIPBL haploinsufficiency and molecularly dissect the affected transcriptional processes. This will be accomplished by creating patient-specific INTS1, INTS8 and NIPBL mutations in human pluripotent stem cell lines, which will be differentiated into neural progenitor cells to assess effects on protein-protein interactions, long-range chromosome contacts and RNApol2 pausing and into cerebral organoids to assess the impact on different aspects of the neurodevelopmental program, including progenitor proliferation, neuronal migration and subtype specification.

Mots clés : cortical development, cerebral organoids, nipbl, integrator complex, neurodevelopmental disorders, cornelia de lange syndrome, long range gene regulation, rnapol2 pausing

Participants :
- Erasmus MC (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 177598.8 €
Projet CHROMATIX (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Developmental progression is linked to accumulation of epigenetic memory mainly in the form of chemical modifications of the chromatin. However, the dynamics of this process as well as its functional relevance remains unclear. One of the most striking examples of transcriptional regulation by epigenetic processes is random X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female mammalian embryos, which evolved to compensate between XX and XY individuals. This process is strictly dependent on coating of one X chromosome by a long non-coding RNA, Xist. This process is also associated with rapid and dramatic remodelling of the chromatin resulting in the loss of active epigenetic marks and reciprocal accumulation of repressive ones. The functional relevance and exact specio-temporal dynamics of this process remains elusive. Here I propose to address these questions by using an integrated approach linking in vivo with in vitro experiments as well as population-based and single-cell studies. I will use a proprietary single-cell ChIPseq method and standard ChIPseq assay to assess the dynamics of X chromosome epigenetic inactivation. Further transcriptomic experiments and chromatin accessibility profiling will add additional depth to a dataset accounting to a roadmap for XCI. I aim at identifying the initial stages of epigenetic programming leading to transcriptional repression as well as genomic loci involved in nucleating these changes. I will finally address the functional relevance of X chromosome epigenetic programming by using gene knockout models and genome-wide single cell transcriptomics approach. Such work will have wide-raging implications beyond the field of XCI. By achieving unprecedented level of information on the heterogeneity and dynamics of epigenetic processes this project will allow further studies of similar processes occurring in development, aging or carcinogenesis.

Mots clés : x chromosome inactivation, epigenetics, stem cell, development, transcription, histone, pluripotency, chipseq, single cell

Participants :
- Institut Curie (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 173076.0 €
Projet PRO GAIT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Staff Exchanges
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Developments in robotics allow people with profound neuromuscular deficits after stroke to walk with assistance (during the gait cycle) using an exoskeleton robot. Integrating a robotic device with individualised user electroencephalography (EEG /electrical activity in the motor areas in the brain) and EMG (muscle)feedback would allow more physiological and targeted gait parameters in response to effort, and confer neuroplastic training effects including neuromodulation of temporal and spatial features of gait. Future integration of EEG/EMGsignals with robotic devices will allow patient initiated movement through thought and/or attempted effort, where currently parameters for devices are therapist set and usage is not functionally driven by the patient. Advancement in this regard is stalled primarily because of difficulty in 3D modelling of gait by EEG. This collaborative consortium through secondments and return and built in knowledge sharing strategies will exchange knowledge and expertise across: Design, development and production of exoskeleton gait devices; neuro-rehabilitation; bioelectric EEG/EMG signal capture and interpretation; mathematical modelling and brain computer interface (BCI) platform development can advance the state of the art in gait rehabilitation after stroke rehabilitation. The proposal will allow development of 3D modelling of gait, for gait restoration and explore integration with robotics from multi-stakeholder perspectives. Aims: 1. Define current state of the art in EEG modelling of gait post stroke by systematic review and meta-synthesis 2. Complete 3D modelling of gait as visualised gait, overground gait and robotic walking in healthy individuals and stroke survivors 3. Develop and test a virtual reality BCI gait training device, including end-user feedback 4. Explore integration of this prototype with robotic software platforms

Mots clés : stroke, electroencephalography, electromyography, gait rehabilitation, exoskeleton robotics

Participants :
- University of Padua (Italie) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 36000.0 €
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (Irlande) — Partner, beneficiary, Autres, subvention : 18000.0 €
- Ekso bionics inc (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 0.0 €
- National University of Ireland (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 13500.0 €
- Ospedale Valduce (Italie) — Partner, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- Guger Technologies (Austria) (Autriche) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 49500.0 €
- University of Ulster (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 27000.0 €
Projet CHIROGLU (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance are major threats to human health. These conditions are linked to obesity and poor diet but also have major genetic components. To date, most knowledge of the genetics of sugar metabolism and diabetes comes from epidemiological studies of humans and lab studies of mice. However, novel powerful insights might also be obtained by studying novel non-model species that have undergone evolutionary adaptations for subsisting on high sugar diets. Among mammals, bats are unique in their range of dietary specialisations with up to eight lineages having independently evolved nectar-feeding (‘nectarivory’). Yet how these bats are able to survive on high sugar diets, and regulate their blood sugar to resist the damaging effects of glucose toxicity, is not understood. To discover the genes and mutations that confer these abilities in bats, we will use state-of-the-art cross-species targeted genome-capture to obtain thousands of orthologous sequences from all nectar-feeding fruit bats and their non-nectar feeding relatives. We will first identify genes showing signatures of molecular adaptation for each key branch associated with the acquisition of nectar feeding. Second, we will compare these sets of genes, and their respective protein-protein interaction networks, to determine whether divergent bats have evolved nectarivory by recruiting the same genes and pathways. Our findings will improve our understanding of how natural selection has driven dietary specialisation in mammals, and will also shed light on whether related metabolic diseases arise via mutations occurring at the same sites, or instead arise from the disruption of more evolutionarily conserved sites that have not been subject to molecular adaptation.

Mots clés : genomics  phylogeny, evolution

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet PAMpeR (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Diabetic retinopathy is the first vascular complication of diabetes and the leading cause of legal blindness among adults in Europe. The fact that diabetic retinopathy is preceded by a long latency period has suggested to us that its natural history could incorporate a phase of vascular repair, active after short duration of diabetes and eventually losing efficacy over time. “Patroller” monocytes, a discrete subpopulation of circulating monocytes, patrol healthy vessels by “crawling” on the endothelium at a speed that is order of magnitude lower than rolling, and at variance with the "classic" monocyte subset produce preferentially housekeeping and trophic factors rather than inflammatory cytokines. Our preliminary data strongly support a role of patrollers, in protecting and repairing retinal vessels in diabetes; suggest that the beneficial activities are delivered during leukostasis; and indicate that 5 months of diabetes duration activates a healing/protective transcriptional program in patrollers. I seek to learn whether the biosynthetic profile of patrollers changes in relation to increasing duration of diabetes and evolving retinal vascular damage; and, most importantly, I seek to bring the study of patrollers to clinical investigation. The Objectives are to: 1. Learn if circulating patrollers adapt their biosynthetic profile to different diabetes duration (3 and 9 months) and to the evolving vascular damage 2. Bring the project to clinical applicability by start setting up a human study that aims to compare and contrast the number of circulating patrollers, as well as selected biosynthetic and functional characteristics of these cells, in T1DM patients with no DR after 4-8 years of DM, in T1DM patients with initial nonproliferative DR, and in healthy control subjects. The expectation is to capture from endogenous systems the types of molecular actions that protect the vessels in early diabetes; and thus be enabled to mimic, complement, or leverage

Mots clés : diabetes, diabetic microvascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, vascular repair, patroller monocytes

Participants :
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 180277.2 €
Projet HePULSE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are renowned for their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The overall DLC market is projected a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% by 2020, while the DLC in biomedical sector alone is growing with a CAGR of 33%, which is inspiring advanced DLC research for biomedical use. Hard DLC coatings have poor toughness which limits their application for joint implants that involve impact, shear, and torsion. Silver-doped DLC coatings (Ag-DLC) are increasing in popularity in the biomedical sector as they boost biocompatibility and toughness of pure DLC coatings simultaneously. The biocompatibility of Ag-DLC is shown to increase by increasing Ag fraction, but excessive Ag reduces the mechanical strength and durability and a high Ag dose may become toxic to the patient if the coating fails. We have identified that Ag is essential for early post-surgery, thus it would be highly beneficial to develop a coating where Ag is only doped near the surface, providing maximum biological performance without reducing DLC strength. In fact, selective Ag doping in a DLC matrix is challenging through established physical vapour deposition techniques. In this project, we are aiming to develop a novel DLC coating with precise and localized doping of Ag nanoparticles using the sputtering method. The Ag nanoparticles will be created in-situ by rapid plasma quenching with He pulses and simultaneously embedded in the DLC matrix in a single-step process. The unique features are precise amounts and specific size of Ag nanoparticles which will be embedded at controlled depths in the DLC matrix. The coatings will be tested for biological functioning i.e., biocompatibility and antimicrobial tests and mechanical performance, which includes hardness, toughness, and tribology. The new Ag-DLC coatings are expected to present a simultaneous improvement in biological and mechanical performance due to their unique tailor-made architecture.

Mots clés : coatings, silver, nanoparticles, diamond like carbon, selective, doping, helium, quenching, embedded, mechanics, biomedical

Participants :
- Northumbria University (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 224933.76 €
Projet TxnEvoClim (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Differences in gene expression play a key role in generating the phenotypic variability needed for adaptation. During evolution, the coding sequence of genes evolves on average much slower than their expression patterns, thus transcriptional regulation can be especially important for rapid adaptation to a new environment. Climate is a major factor for plant adaptation, and both the dispersal of a plant from its native origin as well as climate change will often lower its fitness. Thus, understanding how gene expression patterns are modified to facilitate life in adverse climates would shed light on the trade-offs limiting adaptation. Studying how evolution has shaped plant transcriptomes so that these plants can grow in different ecological niches and their potential to adapt to a changing climate requires a large base of natural variability information. This has recently been accumulated for Arabidopsis thaliana, a model for genetic and evolutionary studies. In the proposed project I will use genomic and transcriptomic data from the A. thaliana 1001 Genomes Project, new measurements of gene expression under water deprivation, as well as newly available data on gene-regulation and field fitness, to define how gene expression is shaped by climate and the genetic potential to adapt to new environments. I will address the following: (1) In natural populations, how do gene expression patterns of individuals correspond to the particular adapted climates? (2) What is the genetic basis for the transcript differences and how is it reflected in modifications to the transcriptional network? (3) Can knowledge of climate-transcript variation relationships be predictive of individual strains more likely to survive in a new climate? As climate is changing due to global warming, the understanding of mechanisms by which plants adapt to climate becomes even more important in agriculture and in natural populations, and this project aims to illuminate the role of a central mechanism.

Mots clés : natural variation, transcription regulation, climate change, arabidopsis, fitness prediction

Participants :
- Max Planck Society (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 174806.4 €
Projet T2DM and AD (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Different from the familial forms, late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is not the consequence of a single cause: neither aging, nor genetic polymorphisms nor an environmental disturbance do, per se, suffice to produce this disease. It is currently thought that instead disease is the consequence of an interaction of all the above circumstances. With that perception in mind, I here propose to study i) the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a metabolic disturbance strongly associated with propensity to LOAD, on the appearance of AD-associated features (biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioral) ii) in the brains of aged mice iii) bearing a genetic insufficiency in either the gene SORL1 or in CD2AP, both of which have been linked to higher risk of late onset AD in recent familial genome wide association studies (GWAS). Once the phenotypic analysis is completed, I will perform genome wide epigenetic analysis of T2DM on specific neuronal populations of wild type and the genetically deficient mice. All in all, my studies should help to determine the mechanisms by which environment, age and disease-predisposing genetic weaknesses link together to produce this disease.

Mots clés : type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic stress

Participants :
- Spanish National Research Council (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 170121.6 €
Projet OPTWET (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Diffuse losses of nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural areas contribute significantly to eutrophication of waterways, lakes, estuaries and coastal zones and water pollution is a growing and serious problem across much of the world. The role of wetlands in improving surface water quality is well known. The capacity of wetlands to improve water quality is dependent on a large number of parameters that have been widely studied, such as vegetation cover or type, water retention time, climatic variables, and also their size and spatial arrangement in the watershed. However, the question where wetlands should be located in agricultural catchments to achieve the most effective nutrient removal at the catchment level has not been clearly resolved. This project aims to determine the optimal sizing and location for wetlands in agricultural catchments to reduce nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) loads in catchments. The study consist of two parts performed on study areas with different landscape and climatic conditions. Firstly, potentially suitable wetland restoration/creation sites are identified by using high quality data and geospatial analysis techniques. Secondly, evaluation of the effectiveness of wetland nitrogen and phosphorus removal from surface waters at various potential locations indicated by the geospatial analyses under different hydrological regimes and land use scenarios will be done by using modelling with CLUES (Catchment Land Use for Environmental Sustainability model) and SWAT (Soil and Water and Assessment Tool). Important role in the study is also on using and integrating different datasets and modelling approaches.

Mots clés : diffuse water pollution, wetlands, watershed management, water quality modelling, geospatial analysis

Participants :
- Crown Research Institutes (Nouvelle-Zélande) — Partner, organization partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Tartu (Estonie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 240507.0 €
Projet DIGIFOLK (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Digital folklore – digitally (re)produced and mediated vernacular cultural expression – is a form of active, ongoing and self-including heritage production that gives us insights into what is culturally, socially and politically significant to a diverse public. Despite the importance critical heritage scholars place on participation, challenging authorised discourses, and the role of heritage in addressing broader social and political challenges, digital folklore is neglected within critical heritage studies. DIGIFOLK bridges this gap and investigates ephemeral and rapidly-changing digital folklore to explore the complex digital reproductions and renegotiations of folklore amongst the varied groups that constitute contemporary Norway. It challenges cultural-normative conceptualisations of folk culture in Norway to examine the hybridising nature of digital folklore in enacting differential social and cultural identification and affiliation, investigating digital folklore’s analogue antecedents in the Norwegian Folklore Archives (NFS) as a means by which a diverse public can meaningfully engage with heritage collections. Employing an innovative quali-quantitative approach combining social media data mining with ethnographic, cultural-historical, and visual and textual analytical methods, this project aims to: a) investigate the role of social media in the transmission and alteration of analogue folklore and the creation of hybridised/new digital folklore in Norway; b) connect contemporary digital folklore to collections in NFS to challenge the authenticating nature of the archive and embed unofficial knowledge in heritage discourse; c) expand participatory heritage models to recognise that the public create and engage with heritage outside of academic/institutional heritage discourse; and d) contextualise digital folklore in Norway within critical discourses on mobility, identity and belonging within Europe, in the context of populist and new nationalist movements.

Mots clés : folklore, digital folklore, critical heritage, participatory heritage, archives, identity

Participants :
- University of Oslo (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 303238.08 €