Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet BINAMA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Nature employs various polymerization processes (e.g. DNA replication, transcription and translation of proteins) in order to synthesize biopolymers such as DNA and proteins with controlled sequences and configurations. Such remarkable and complicated structures can fold into precise nanostructures via intramolecular and intermolecular interactions and thus replicating these domains via synthetic polymers has recently attracted considerable interest. The goal of BINAMA is to synthesize biomimicking nanostructure materials via intramolecular folding of sequence-controlled polymers in the presence of a “real” catalyst/chaperone, thus mimicking the intracellular environment. For the first part of the project, the sequence of functional monomers will be controlled utilizing controlled living radical polymerization methods. Subsequently, the incorporation of these monomers will induce hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic/hydrophobic, pi-pi, charge and disulphide interactions typically employed by proteins in order to facilitate the controlled folding of the polymer chains, adopting natural motifs and patterns. The ability to mimic these perfectly defined sequence-controlled polymers (e.g. DNA and proteins) via synthetic polymer chemistry will pave the way for synthetic bioanalogues and could also enhance their functions and properties.

Mots clés : sequence controlled polymers, biomimicking materials, intra and intermolecular interactions, atrp, raft

Participants :
- University of Warwick (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 211825.2 €
- University of California System (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet LACONN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Negation is a universal feature of a human language. Each language has the linguistic means to express the denial (negation) of a proposition. While specific realizations differ to a certain extent, languages show a very clear cross-linguistic tendency in the position (and nature) of a negative marker: it tends to be a free-standing element and occur before the verbal predicate. Different from most languages, indigenous languages of the South American continent show a typologically unusual – as yet unexplained – behaviour, in that a negative marker tends to occur after the verbal predicate and often as a suffixal element. The scientific aim of this project is to provide an informed answer on the role of language contact behind the continent-wide presence of the postverbal pattern, which distinguishes South American (SA) languages from most others. With reaching this aim, the action will make an impact in two ways: (i) it will bring in a piece of linguistic evidence contributing to a better understanding of SA prehistory, which still has many open questions, and (ii) it will enrich theoretical models of language evolution by providing an account as to how a functionally dispreferred pattern gets maintained in a language. I plan to carry out this project under supervision and in collaboration with Rik van Gijn, whose ERC Consolidator project on ‘South American Population History Revisited: Multidisciplinary perspectives on the Upper Amazon’ (SAPHIRE), hosted at the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL), is of key relevance to the proposed action. Thus, I will enrich my research profile, which combines typology and diachrony of morpho-syntax with a solid expertise in contact linguistics and experience in interdisciplinary approach to linguistic data. From the professional career perspective, the Fellowship will help me gain academic independence and will ultimately serve as a springboard for a tenured research position.

Mots clés : language contact, language change, negation, typology, indigenous languages

Participants :
- Leiden University (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 175572.48 €
Projet MultiNetMetrics (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Economic Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Network analysis has been recently used in economics and finance for studying macroeconomic and financial crises. It has shown to contribute to a better understanding of complex systems of interconnected financial institutions and markets. It also enables policy makers to explain why and how financial and economic systems are interconnected. So far most research has focused on static and single-layer networks. The two main research aims of this project are to study (i) the dynamic behaviour of networks and (ii) its possible dynamic linkages between different network layers. The project is referred to as MultiNetMetrics. It aims to develop novel and appropriate econometric methods to address the two research challenges in a computationally feasible way. For the first objective of developing dynamic networks, I will develop innovative inference methods for identifying the dynamics (observed or latent) in networks using a novel graphical vector autoregressive, score-driven time-varying parameter model. For the second objective, I will further extend the model to capture the dynamics of multilayer and multiplex representations of financial networks. This will lead to a better understanding of the possible dynamic relations between economic and financial variables in different network layers. The project is hosted by VU Amsterdam, one of the top research groups in time series econometrics. The project also includes a secondment at the Dutch central bank to implement the models empirically and to valorize the new research findings directly by interacting with policy makers.

Mots clés : network theory, econometrics, graph theory, macroeconomics, finance, financial econometrics, bayesian inference, frequentist inference, dynamic network

Participants :
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 177598.8 €
Projet NETCO-PD (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Cofund Postdoctoral programme
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Networks for communication, transportation, finance and energy form the backbone of modern society. Reliable and efficient network infrastructures are of enormous economic and social value, and their importance will only increase in the coming years. Highly skilled researchers familiar with networks are therefore urgently needed. They should have a deep understanding of methods to optimize network performance, to control processes running on networks, and to predict how these processes will evolve over time. NETCO-PD will train 14 such researchers at the postdoctoral level, who will gain the necessary scientific knowledge and professional skills for a successful career inside and outside academia. The duration of the program is 60 months. In the first year, two calls will be opened to appoint 14 ERs, for 24 months each. The main objectives of NETCO-PD are: • To provide Europe with 14 future research leaders in the important area of complex networks, where there is great demand for highly skilled researchers. • To bring together expertise from two disciplines, stochastics (a subarea of mathematics) and algorithmics (a subarea of computer science), and to train ERs by performing world-class research in these disciplines and at their interface. This unique interdisciplinary approach is essential for dealing with complex network problems, since the performance of network algorithms is influenced by the highly volatile nature of network processes, and vice versa. • To attract talented and creative junior researchers at the postdoctoral level, offer them attractive working conditions in 2-year contracts, as well as the best possible training and career perspective. • To extend the NETWORKS training program with activities targeted to postdoctoral researchers. This extension fills a gap in the training of young researchers at a crucial stage in their career, and cannot be acquired anywhere else in The Netherlands.

Mots clés : networks science, large scale networks, stochastics, algorithmics

Participants :
- Leiden University (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 1029840.0 €
Projet CerebellumTherapy (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Neural circuits operate to drive behaviour and can cause debilitating brain disorders when malfunctioning. However, how circuit activity is causing learning and action and which modifications underlie the development of a disease is mostly unknown. The cerebellum is an ideal structure to tackle this issue because of its well-characterised anatomy, established motor learning and control theories, and relevance to pervasive brain disorders like autism. However, our cellular and circuit-level understanding of the cerebellar roles in learning and modulating behaviour and in modifying disease is still not satisfactory, therefore the therapeutic potential of cerebellar intervention is underestimated. In this proposal, I will address this potential by combining multi-colour two-photon imaging and optogenetic interrogation in the cerebellar cortex of wild type and disease model mice performing a multi-sensory association task. My first goal is to characterise the circuit operation of the cerebellum at unprecedented resolution. I will record two identified neuronal inputs simultaneously using independent expression of green and red fluorescent probes in neurons in the cerebellar cortex to investigate how multi-modal sensory inputs are associated during motor adaptation. The second goal is to define detailed cerebellar circuit deficits by using above methods in autism model mice. Finally, I will establish the causal roles of these neuronal inputs for this adaptive behaviour. I will perturb these motor control- and learning-related neuronal inputs and outputs using optogenetics to probe their unique contribution. I will apply similar optogenetic manipulations to restore the function of the dysregulated cerebellar circuit in autism model mice. Ultimately, I will build a bridge between this experimental technique and a human-applicable method. Together, this project will provide substantial insights into the implementation and refinement of clinical cerebellar manipulation.

Mots clés : purkinje cell, parallel fibre, climbing fibre, dual colour two photon imaging, all optical optogenetics, transcranial direct current stimulation

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet ACRONAM-Speech (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Neural oscillations, rhythmic fluctuations in the excitability of neuronal populations, align their phase to the rhythm of speech and this mechanism, called phase entrainment, has been associated with successful perception of connected speech. However, a causal role of phase entrainment for speech comprehension has not yet been shown which leaves the underlying mechanisms unclear, and fails to specify the relevance of neural oscillations for hearing or language impaired individuals. In the proposed research, we will use a novel brain stimulation technique, transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to selectively alter neural oscillations. By manipulating neural phase entrainment to speech with tACS we can, for the first time, provide decisive evidence concerning whether phase entrainment and speech comprehension are causally linked: If a modulation of phase entrainment leads to changes in speech perception and comprehension we can conclude that the former causally influences the latter. In a preliminary experiment, combining tACS with functional magnetic imaging (fMRI), we will determine the optimal tACS electrode montage to modulate neural activity in speech-specific brain regions (in the superior temporal gyrus). Using this setup in a behavioural task, tACS can be applied at different phase-lags in relation to rhythmic speech sequences. Critically, we expect perception of these stimuli to depend on the phase relation between tACS and speech rhythm, as a consequence of the manipulation of phase entrainment by tACS. Our study will thus provide important and novel evidence for a causal role of phase entrainment for speech perception and comprehension. In turn this might suggest new methods for enhancing speech perception in populations with hearing or language impairment.

Mots clés : brain stimulation, neural oscillations, phase entrainment, speech, comprehension, transcranial alternating current stimulation, tacs

Participants :
- UK Research and Innovation (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet CROSS-NEUROD (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Staff Exchanges
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Dementia, Parkinson’s and motor neuron diseases, are a major and continuously growing worldwide health issue, particularly devastating for patients and their families. Yet, no cures are available, largely due to the lack of knowledge of ND pathogenic mechanisms. Strikingly, co-occurrence of several NDs in the same patient or family, and evidence that mutations in the same gene lead to several NDs are indicating that common molecular pathways are involved across NDs. Elucidating these shared mechanisms could have a major impact for the treatment and the prevention of this spectrum of NDs. Leveraging on our expertise in studying autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms of NDs, we propose an innovative, multinational and multidisciplinary collaborative research project to perform network analyses across NDs and identify key common underlying mechanisms. The CROSS-NEUROD project is focused on: 1) the development of integrative in vitro 3D disease models (mini-brains, mini-spinal cords, and motor unit) to elucidate common cellular and molecular pathways across NDs; 2) the validation in animal models of the therapeutic targets identified. To achieve these aims we will consolidate research partnerships through staff exchanges and networking activities between 3 European research organizations, two of which from Italy, one from Greece, and a partner, USA. The project is based on a 4 years coordinated joint program of exchanges of researchers for short periods. It has been developed from active bilateral cooperation between individual countries and partners and represents the natural progression of our previously funded and successfully completed EU 7PQ IRSES grant “No-MND” (2013 call). Our ongoing research programs are well supported by funding. The RISE scheme provides a unique opportunity to integrate ongoing collaboration activities into a coherent program addressing an issue of high priority for public health both in EU and USA.

Mots clés : neurodegenerative diseases, motor neuron diseases, parkinson disease, frontotemporal dementia, induced pluripotent stem, organoid, cells, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, therap

Participants :
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (Italie) — Partner, beneficiary, Autres, subvention : 135000.0 €
- Columbia University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Milan (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 306000.0 €
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (Grèce) — Partner, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 153000.0 €
Projet 3D NKCC1 (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect millions of children in Europe and worldwide. A large body of literature indicates that inhibitory GABAergic transmission thorough Cl-permeable GABAA receptors is defective in many of these disorders. However, effective pharmaceutical treatments are still needed. There is increasing scientific evidence that varying the intracellular Cl concentration is one of the more physiological and effective ways to modulate GABAAergic transmission. This concentration is mainly established by the Cl importer NKCC1 and the Cl exporter KCC2. Importantly, the NKCC1/KCC2 ratio is defective in several brain disorders. Moreover, NKCC1 inhibition by the FDA-approved diuretic bumetanide rescues many symptoms in animal models. These findings have already led to clinical studies of bumetanide to treat a broad range of brain disorders. However, this requires chronic treatment, which poses serious issues for drug compliance, given the diuretic effect of bumetanide caused by the inhibition of the kidney-specific Cl transporter NKCC2. Crucially, these issues could be solved by selective NKCC1 inhibitors, which would have no diuretic effect. Yet there is still very little knowledge of the structure-function relationship of NKCC1 in terms of ion transportation and how bumetanide acts on NKCC1. The main goal of this fellowship is to resolve NKCC1’s structure using X-Ray crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy. This effort will be coupled to the functional characterization of NKCC1 using in vitro and in silico approaches. The fellow will thus integrate her research skills with key expertise in the structural and molecular biology of ion transporters, allowing her to grow into an independent group leader. Ultimately, this project will provide unprecedented insights into the structure-function relationships of NKCC1 in terms of ion transportation. This will critically accelerate the discovery of new and urgently needed drugs for brain disorders.

Mots clés : ion membrane transporter, nkcc1 structural biology, nkcc1 physiology, novel drugs, neurodevelopmental disorders

Participants :
- Italian Institute of Technology (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 168369.6 €
- Harris Health System (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet NEUROSTAD (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Neurogenesis is a crucial process by which new neurons are formed in the brain through the conversion of Neuronal stem cells (NPCs). Altered neurogenesis has been identified in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in both human brains and rodent models, yet the exact mechanism of the dysregulation is unknown. Over the past few years, growing evidence indicates that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a critical role to fine-tune neurogenesis and mediate cortical development in the mammalian brain. Among these, the RNA-binding protein Staufen 2 (Stau2) plays an important role during neurogenesis unbalancing NSCs maintenance and differentiation, which is critical for brain development and functions. Importantly, STAU2 protein has been shown to be downregulated in AD, suggesting a possible role of STAU2 in impaired adult neurogenesis in AD In this project, I will use induced pluripotent stem cells in combination with single-cell transcriptomic methods to characterize the unknown gene and protein networks regulated by STAU2 in neurogenesis at the single-cell level and investigate their relationship to altered neurogenesis in AD. This work will provide a solid molecular knowledge about the role of Stau2 in neural differentiation and its impact in neurogenesis in AD. Furthermore, I will develop a pipeline for the study of RBPs in human diseases and I will acquire indispensable scientific skills to become an independent research in Europe Together, this study will provide a solid molecular knowledge of the role of RBPs in neural differentiation, enabling the development of new personalized medicine therapies, which is in compliance with the Horizon H2020 Health demographic change and wellbeing program.

Mots clés : rna binding proteins, post transcriptional regulation of the gene expression, single cell sequencing, alzheimer s disease, stem cell, mrna decay, mrna localization

Participants :
- Institut d'Investigació Biomédica de Bellvitge (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 172932.48 €
Projet STrkB (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Neuronal circuit development involves multiple stages that are regulated by neurotrophic factors. One of the key players, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is involved in the development and functional modulation of circuits by promoting neuronal survival, synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. BDNF acts by binding to the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB), a type-I membrane protein, to trigger downstream signaling. However, the molecular architecture of this complex and the mechanism of signal propagation across the membrane remain unknown The key aim of this project is to define in structural and mechanistic terms the steps leading to TrkB activation upon BDNF binding. I will use X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the extracellular TrkB-BDNF complex, and validate this model by mutagenesis and biophysical techniques. Single particle cryo-electron microscopy will be used to solve the full-length TrkB-BDNF complex structure. To validate and relate these structures to signaling, structure-based hypotheses will be tested in live cells by fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, to exploit the structural information gained above, I will engineer BDNF molecules with improved physico-chemical properties as well as generate nanobodies against the TrkB extracellular region. These will be screened by biophysical, structural and cellular approaches to evaluate their (i) binding mode and affinity and (ii) ability of promote TrkB activation. Subsequently, collaborative studies in mouse models will test whether these molecules behave as efficient BDNF mimetics in vivo. This multidisciplinary approach will enable me to define determinants of the TrkB-BDNF complex formation, its activation mechanism, and to use this information towards providing a platform for the design of novel tools that target and modulate this crucial signaling pathway, to promote synaptic repair and functional recovery in damaged neuronal circuits.

Mots clés : brain derived neurotrophic factor, synaptic tropomyosin related kinase receptor signalling, x ray crystallography, membrane protein cryo electron microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy

Participants :
- University of Oxford (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- UK Research and Innovation (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 183454.8 €