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

Memory storage is a defining component of modern computing. It is a key issue because it determines system costs and power consumption. The ability to increase memory storage relies on the discovery, understanding, and improvement of new memory-storage materials. Recently, a third fundamental state for magnetism was experimentally realized in a novel class of matter: the spin-liquid state, after finding a way to synthesize herbertsmithite which is now prospected as a promising memory-storage material. Hydrothermal methods to grow herbertsmithite are available, but they have low production rates and yields and focus on the production of macroscopic crystals, while it is known that nano-scale dimensioned particles do have superior or different properties. Using heterogeneous (electro)catalytic routes, the main problems of the thermal synthesis can be solved. Gas-diffusion electrocrystallization (GDEx) is a new electrochemical process developed at the host organization. It is a rapid one-pot reaction crystallization process, electrochemically steered at the three-phase junction of a porous gas-diffusion cathode. The main objective of this project is to develop, optimize and validate the GDEx technology for the bottom-up synthesis of micro and nano-scaled Zn4-xCux(OH)6Cl2 particles. The project aims to obtain single-phase (pure) herbertsmithite and its polymorphs via GDEx, understanding the mechanism of formation. The project also aims to obtain these materials as solid particles, colloidal dispersions, and thin films, all with preciselly-controlled properties which can result in tailored magnetic functionalities that may result in revolutionized memory storage possibilities. Furthermore, it is aimed to obtain these particles in gram-quantities per day and at least 70% yield, obesides pening the way to a greener synthesis route, operating at mild conditions and reducing the need for hazardous reagents.

Mots clés : electrochemical synthesis, nanoparticles and microparticles, colloidal dispersions, gas diffusion electrodes, electrophoretic deposition, magnetic susceptibility

Participants :
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 160800.0 €
Projet PrenatalStressOmics (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Mental illnesses affect 25% of the EU population and share increased disease risk through long-term changes to the stress hormone system. These are precipitated as adversities during early life, including the prenatal period. Given the role of stress in causing mental illnesses, it is imperative to learn more about the molecular mechanisms involved. Some progress has been made in elucidating the neurobiology of stress, but many questions cannot be addressed with current tools, which include animal models and 2-dimensional human cell culture systems. This proposal aims to establish 3-dimensional culture systems called cerebral organoids – stem-cell-derived tissues that recapitulate features of the human brain – as research models for developmental psychiatric disturbances. We will focus on glucocorticoids (GCs), some of the primary mediators of stress exposure on the organism, and use organoids as a model of early developing brain. Molecular mechanisms will be compared between ‘stressed’ and ‘unstressed’ conditions, by sequencing the transcriptomes of individual cells. Furthermore, since stress-related disorders are mediated through epigenetic mechanisms, the impact of elevated GC exposure on specific cell types in the cerebral organoid model will be quantified at the epigenome level. These novel and powerful techniques will allow us to deconstruct tissue heterogeneity, elucidating the fine molecular underpinnings of human vulnerability and response to stress. Comparing findings to evidence from longitudinal human cohorts of mothers and their babies who underwent stress during pregnancy will allow placement of findings into the clinical context. This research would pave the way for translation into clinical research, and expedite transitions from basic research to identification of at-risk populations, and even intervention strategies.

Mots clés : stress, early life adversity, prenatal stress, cerebral organoids, single cell sequencing, transcriptome, epigenome, psychiatry, mental health

Participants :
- Max Planck Society (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 171460.8 €
Projet DeToxSea (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Mercury (Hg) concentrations in the oceans have tripled in the last centuries, even in remote areas such as the Arctic. Hg is bioaccumulated in food webs and can produce toxic effects affecting breeding and survival probabilities in wildlife. Selenium (Se) has been proved to have a protective effect against Hg toxicity, but no long-term studies have been carried out to evaluate reproductive output and population dynamics in relation to Se or the interaction Se-Hg. Using as a population model the most abundant breeding bird in the Arctic, the little auk (Alle alle), I aim to 1) evaluate the temporal trends of Se/Hg and on which intrinsic/extrinsic factors they depend on; 2) investigate if Se/Hg concentrations affect the reproductive output of little auks (i.e., at the individual level); and 3) evaluate the effects of Se/Hg at the population levels in the context of climate change (i.e., considering environmental conditions). To do so, I will use data of 15 years of monitoring on little auks from west Greenland (Kape Høegh). I will analyse pollutants on blood samples at the host laboratory, and I will perform different statistical approaches to investigate our objectives. In particular, we will look for functional relationships to evaluate pollutants temporal/environmental trends and their toxic effects on the reproductive output of little auks; and demographic models (multistate mark-recapture models and matrix population models) to evaluate the projected population growth rate and its sensitivity to Hg/Se and environmental conditions. This research program will gather knowledge from a large interdisciplinary team, with expertise in ecotoxicology and demography. We anticipate major public interest for the results of DeToxSea: the unique long-term study about demographic effects of Se/Hg toxic contamination in Arctic wildlife, that will give light to one of the Challenges of Horizon 2020 about Climate Action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials.

Mots clés : ecotoxicology, contaminants, selenium, mercury, population dynamics, demography, capture mark recapture, matrix population models, global change, environmental conditions, arctic, seabirds, little auk

Participants :
- La Rochelle Université (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 184707.84 €
Projet APApore4RNA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) isolated from the Wharton jelly of the umbilical cord (UC-MSC) show great potential for the use in allogeneic stem cell therapies for various human diseases. However, the major limitation for the clinical use of allogeneic UC-MSC is their procoagulation activity, which is a consequence of expression of the tissue factor (TF), that can cause thromboembolism after transplantation, thus limiting their clinical usefulness. Preparation of UC-MSC without the TF (UCMSC-TF-) would enable safe clinical use of UC-MSC and bring their full therapeutic potential for treatment of patients. For this reason, preparation of UCMSC-TF- is the central goal of the “APApore4RNA” project. In the project, UCMSC-TF- will be prepared by utilizing the small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against TF to silence the expression of TF. The project will develop a novel nanotechnology for ex vivo intracellular delivery of siRNA that will combine the use of biodegradable calcium hydroxyapatite (APA) nanoparticles (NPs) (fellow’s experience) and electroporation (EP) (experience of the company EDUCELL) to enable efficient, safe and reproducible transfection of UC-MSC. The use of APA NPs will be based on the fellow’s recent study published in Biomaterials that revealed their unique membrane-disruptive property that enables rapid permeation of payloads across plasma membrane. Moreover, as APA has low dielectric constant, it is expected that APA NPs will strongly improve the EP process by reducing the applied electric field required for reversible membrane permeabilization and consequently improve the safety and efficacy of EP. In addition, important goal of the “APApore4RNA” project is to gain fundamental knowledge about underlying mechanisms of APA-mediated electropermeabilization of plasma membrane and payload permeation across the membrane.

Mots clés : calcium phosphates, mesenchymal stem cells, rnai, sirna, therapy, intracellular delivery, nanoparticles

Participants :
- Educell (Slovénie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 162040.32 €
Projet miRTurnOver (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules regulating the expression of protein coding genes by targeting mRNAs. Since they play key roles in development and in responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses, it is important that miRNAs are expressed at the right time and place. Therefore there must be a mechanism to degrade miRNAs (miRNA turnover) and that mechanism itself must be carefully regulated to ensure that miRNAs are not present when their function is not required. However, we know very little about this mechanism and its regulation. I propose carry out a mutant screen and identify genes involved in miRNA turnover. The screen builds on previous work of the host laboratory where miR395, a sulfur starvation-induced miRNA, was characterised. The screening assay relies on a sensor, which is a phloem-expressed GFP transgene containing a miR395 target site, to monitor the level of miR395. Expression of miR395 will be induced by low level of sulfur to down-regulate GFP expression. After replenishing the media with sulfur, miR395 transcription is switched off and the existing miR395 molecules will be degraded, leading to green fluorescence recovery in the seedlings. The speed of this recovery is about three days in wild type plants and I will screen for lines exhibiting faster or slower recovery. After validation of the mutant phenotype I will identify the mutatnt genes by either next generation sequencing or classical map-based cloning. Identifying genes involved in miRNA turnover will open up a new fiekd in the RNA silencing area. Understanding the function of those genes and how miRNA turnover is regulated will impact on all aspect of plant biology but also on biomedicine as siRNAs are potential theraputics.

Mots clés : microrna, arabidopsis, mutagenesis

Participants :
- University of East Anglia (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet EMES (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a novel strategy in which microbes accept electrons from a cathodic surface to synthesize high-value chemicals and fuels via the reduction of carbon dioxide. A cathode material is an essential component of MES and hence the development of improved cathode materials is critical to enhance the performance of MES. The proposed work tackles the largely unexplored challenge to develop highly efficient cathode materials using hollow nanostructures and three dimensional graphene scaffolds to maximize biofuel production through MES. The electro-activity of the microbes at the hollow cavities is extremely fascinating as the cavities can behave like nano-reactors. Also, the proposed project will design a p-type CaFe2O4 semiconductor/Shewanella biofilm hybrid system as a photobiocathode to power MES with solar light through photo-generated electrons. Finally, a novel analytical technique will be developed to visualize the metabolic activity of the cathode-attached microbes using a fluorescent dye, redox sensor green (RSG). RSG coupled with microscopy can be used to directly visualize the metabolism of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 attached on the cathodic surface. MES technology has already found early commercial applications in the US; this project aims to be a catalyst to stimulating the industrial sector in the EU to invest and develop this field. The proposed research falls into the category of EU climate and energy policies, and Europe Horizon 2020 strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Strong long lasting collaborations would be established during the research project that can create career opportunities for the applicant.

Mots clés : bioelectrochemistry, microbial electrosynthesis, extracellular electron uptake, nanomaterials, solar biofuel, microbial metabolism

Participants :
- University of Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet iNet (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Microbial interactions drive global biogeochemical cycles and shape functionality and productivity of ecosystems. Autotrophic nitrification is a prime example for a mutualistic interplay of two functional groups. In fertilized soils, nitrification contributes to emission of the ozone-depleting greenhouse gas nitrous oxide and nitrogen (N) run-off into surface waters, resulting in eutrophication and algal blooms. In contrast, in biological wastewater treatment it initiates the removal of excess N to reduce the N load into the environment. In their cross-feeding interaction, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) provide the electron donor for their partner by converting ammonia to nitrite, which is further oxidized to nitrate by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). In addition, nitrifiers also interact with heterotrophic bacteria that feed on metabolites released by nitrifiers or attack them in a predator-prey interaction. In this project, I aim to determine factors defining interaction networks of nitrifiers by analyzing the effect of this interplay on the metabolism of the individual allies and by identifying novel interaction partners of nitrifying microbes. I will analyze the metabolic aspects of this interplay in artificially mixed nitrifying assemblages to simplify the complex interaction networks occurring in nature. Using state-of-the-art isolation techniques, I will first isolate novel AOB and NOB cultures from the same environment to obtain true interaction partners. Physiological key features and gene expression patterns of separately grown and mixed cultures of these isolates will be compared to determine the nature and effects of interactions among nitrifiers. In addition, novel interaction partners of uncultured nitrifiers will be identified by analyzing co-occurrence patterns within spatially structured environments. Overall, this project will greatly expand our understanding of nitrification and the dynamics shaping its stability and process performance.

Mots clés : nitrogen cycle, nitrification, microbial interaction, nitrifying assemblages, interaction dynamics, ammonia oxidizer, nitrite oxidizer, comammox, heterotrophic microorganisms

Participants :
- Radboud University Nijmegen (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 175572.48 €
Projet HARNESS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Microbiota shape growth and survival of eukaryotes through countless symbiotic associations. A prominent example for agriculture is the mutualistic nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between legume plants and rhizobial bacteria. Understanding the evolution and functioning of these symbioses offers promises to optimise their beneficial use in agro-ecosystems and, potentially, to extend it to non-legume plants. An ambitious project initiated several years ago in the host team aims at recapulating the evolution of new nitrogen-fixing bacteria from a pathogenic ancestor. A symbiotic plasmid was artificially transferred into the plant pathogen Ralstonia solancearum and the resulting chimera was selected for improved in planta symbiotic performance by experimental evolution. This experiment offers a unique opportunity to witness the ‘real-time’ adaptation of chimeric bacteria to their new host plant. In this proposal, I will leverage the biological material generated during this experiment to progress towards an integrative understanding of the evolutionary events underpinning the transition to symbiosis. In particular, I will focus on the acquisition of intracellular uptake and accommodation of bacteria by plant cells, a defining and poorly understood aspect of these symbiotic associations. First, I will use whole-population sequencing to track allelic frequencies in evolving populations and identify mutations improving bacterial intracellular fitness. Functional genetics analyses will then uncover the bacterial functions that are required for endosymbiotic life. Finally, plant transcriptional responses to bacteria showing different infectious abilities will be analysed by RNA-sequencing. Altogether, this work will use a combination of approaches (experimental evolution, genetics and high-throughput sequencing) to advance our understanding of the genetic and selective processes underpinning the evolution of nitrogen-fixing symbioses.

Mots clés : legume rhizobia symbiosis, experimental evolution, post  genomics, molecular microbiology

Participants :
- Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 196707.84 €
Projet Tribocharge (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is the technology of micromachines up to 100 micrometers in size. In the era of minituarization, MEMS represents a huge and rapidly growing market, which will exceed $20B by 2020 and Europa constitutes about 20% of the total world market. However, the technology struggles with some problems preventing its fast development. This proposal aims to deal with those related to tribocharging (frictional electricity), which has been overlooked so far. Tribocharging is a very common event causing value losses due to electrostatic sticking and electrostatic discharging (ESD) problems in many industrial manufacturing processes such as static cling of powder materials in drug processing, ESD problems in electronics. Attempts to eliminate static electricity from solid and liquid materials includes the addition of antistatic agents to them that increases the deposition of water from ambient moisture and the addition or doping of some conducting materials e.g. carbon powder into plastics and a conductive path removes the excess electrostatic charge. However, these solutions are not generally very practical and limited by the specific applications in micro dimensions. In this proposal, we focused on the elimination of static charge that accumulates on MEMS. To eliminate static electricity from MEMS, I will use the chemical approach that we introduced (Science, 2013). Firstly, we aim to eliminate the excess static charge from polymer based (MEMS) using this approach by incorporating antistatic and anti-sticking properties to these micro devices for the first time. Secondly, ESD will be eliminated in these micro devices using the same approach based on the scavenging of excess electrostatic charges. Finally, it will be possible to extend the lifetime of these micro devices by eliminating problems such as sticking, (charged) particulate contamination due to e.g. wear, and ESD that mainly arise from tribocharging.

Mots clés : tribocharge, mems, surface chemistry, stiction

Participants :
- Bilkent University (Turquie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 157845.6 €
Projet PhotoSoftMat (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Microgels are valuable building blocks both for investigating colloidal phase transitions and for the fabrication of complex materials that react and adapt to external stimuli. In particular, liquid interfaces are perfect two-dimensional (2D) templates for microgel assembly because of the long-range ordered organization that can be achieved in a fast and reliable manner. The structure of microgel assemblies at liquid interfaces can be precisely controlled by changing external parameters (e.g, temperature, pH, surface pressure). The microgels volume and compressibility can be modulated, in turn affecting their mutual interactions and final organization. The goal of this multidisciplinary proposal is to develop novel systems where light actuation can be coupled in to control microgel properties at liquid interfaces. Up to now, the external stimuli used to control 2D microgel assemblies had several limitations: the lack of spatial resolution, a poor control over the response time, and the irreversibility of the transitions. With the proposed systems, an optical trigger will allow the external control of the inter-particle interactions as well as of the particle size and compressibility with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution. Two synthetic routes are considered: i) covalent modification of the microgel structure with the addition of light-responsive co-monomers; ii) mixing of microgels with photoresponsive surfactants. Different responses are offered by these two strategies. In the former case, unprecedented local control over microgel assemblies can be achieved, opening the way to novel studies over 2D phase transitions. In the latter case, a composite system is proposed, where microgel properties, as well as macroscopic surface flows, can be manipulated by light actuation. Ultimately, reconfigurable colloidal structures endowed with multiple properties that can be advantageously switched in a fast and local manner by the external stimulation are envisioned.

Mots clés : microgels, liquid interfaces, colloidal self assembly, photocontrol, light responsive materials

Participants :
- Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 191149.44 €