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

Hypertension pharmacotherapy, albeit fairly effective, is far from ideal and adequate blood pressure control is only achieved in one third of patients. As such, hypertension is still the global leading cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality. In this regard, we have recently discovered that higher intake of the caloric restriction mimetic spermidine – a potent inducer of the cellular quality control mechanism, autophagy – correlates with lower blood pressure in humans. Administering spermidine to animals also delays the development of hypertension and vascular aging, suggesting it might be useful for disease prevention. However, whether spermidine can be used for therapy, as urgently needed in patients, is still unknown. Thus, the main objective of this proposal is to elucidate the therapeutic benefit of spermidine in established experimental hypertension. Applying a multitude of cutting-edge techniques, including knockout of autophagy genes and metabolic flux, we will provide key mechanistic insights on whether spermidine counteracts hypertension via activating autophagy, upregulating the arginine-nitric oxide axis, or both. With the ultimate goal of translating our findings from animals to humans, we will validate the clinical relevance of these mechanisms in patients' samples. Hence, this proposal will not only reveal a potential novel treatment for patients with hypertension, but will also study a previously understudied cross-talk between blood pressure control and autophagy. If true, we anticipate the project results to pave the way for a novel concept for hypertension therapy. Considering that the work will be done at a leading multi-disciplinary research group, where the researcher will bring expertise in cardiology and receive advanced training in cell biology and molecular metabolism, the fellowship will substantially advance his academic career to eventually reach his goal of leading his own research team.

Mots clés : caloric restriction mimetics, autophagy, spermidine, hypertension

Participants :
- Institut Gustave Roussy (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 196707.84 €
Projet SPICE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

I believe a key challenge to reducing the uncertainty of global climate model projections is quantifying the role of submesoscale (0.1-10km, hours-days) ocean processes on the ocean-atmosphere exchange of heat and carbon in the remote Southern Ocean. In SPICE, I aim to address this knowledge gap using ocean observations from state-of-the-art marine robots and high-resolution numerical models. Using this novel data I will for the first time 1) quantify the variability of heat and carbon air-sea fluxes in the Southern Ocean, and 2) better understand how upper ocean submesoscale processes modulate this exchange of heat and carbon between the atmosphere and the ocean interior, where it can be stored for millennia. SPICE will achieve three primary scientific objectives: (1) I will participate in an oceanographic research expedition to the Southern Ocean, to further learn about, and deploy autonomous ocean platforms. This pioneering science experiment will collect the required air-sea heat and carbon fluxes and oceanographic data in the sea-ice impacted Southern Ocean. (2) Perform scientific data analysis and research with my host, and during two secondments, to gain the longstanding skill and knowledge to quantify the impact of submesoscale processes on the air-sea flux of heat and carbon. (3) Employ a synergetic modelling and observational approach, whereby I will perform ultra-high-resolution simulations of the ocean to upscale the observational findings to address current and future climate challenges. By achieving these objectives, this Fellowship will provide me with the skills and network that I require to enhance my academic standing and research capability for years to come. This field of polar science is my passion and my longer-term ambition is to be an excellent and independent Earth System scientist who can build a long-standing career in Europe.

Mots clés : ocean observations, numerical modelling, autonomous robotics

Participants :
- University of Gothenburg (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 203852.16 €
Projet IRONAGE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

I have worked over the last five years on understanding how ion channels control inflammation, immunity, metabolism and cancer, with a strong emphasis on Ca2+ signaling. Now, I would like to take advantage of my diverse background in cation signaling and inflammation and integrate it with the outstanding expertise of Manuel Serrano´s lab in regeneration and aging, to ask fundamental questions on the role of iron in regulation of plasticity and fibrosis. Clinical reports have described local deposition of iron around fibrotic tissues, although the significance of this remains poorly understood and unexplored. My unifying hypothesis is that fibrosis is the manifestations of ongoing free-iron release into injured organs and tissues, which without clearance maintains chronic inflammation and prevents regeneration. The project is divided as follows: Objective #1 – Iron induced inflammation: the impact of free-iron on inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression and signaling pathways. I have preliminary data indicating that free-iron is a potent inducer of inflammatory cytokines in fibroblasts. Objective #2 – Free-iron as a causative of fibrosis: effect of iron on cellular senescence and on mouse models of fibrosis; and iron homeostasis in human patients with fibrosis. In vitro, I have found that free-iron is an inducer of senescence. Furthermore, in a pilot study, I have found that bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice is accompanied by high levels of iron deposition. Objective #3: Iron clearance and regeneration: Effects of free-iron and iron induced cytokines on acquired plasticity in vitro and on wound healing. Surprisingly, my preliminary data indicate that chelation of free-iron completely blocks acquisition of pluripotency, but has no effect on expansion of stem cells. I anticipate that the completion of this action will yield new fundamental insights into the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis and regeneration, and will allow me the transit to independence.

Mots clés : iron, fibrosis, regeneration, inflammation, aging, induced pluripotency, wound healing

Participants :
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 158121.6 €
Projet Ctrl Code (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

I propose to adopt a novel closed-loop brain stimulation (cl-BSDS) approach to test the possibility to proactively induce optimal brain state (attention enhancement) at time t+1 knowing the brain activity-behaviour relation at time t (post-conflict adjustments). The idea to use cognitive conflict to trigger attention adjustments might appear as a paradox; however behavioural data suggest that after the experience of cognitive conflict (i.e. when competing responses must be overcome) performance is better. Since the loop between cognitive conflict and attention adjustment seems to be a natural mechanisms used by the brain for flexible behaviour, we suggest to test the specific hypothesis that post conflict attention adjustments are implemented in a preparatory way from one trial to the next (WP1) and to capitalize on this mechanism to test, in real-time, to what extend the frontal-parietal interactions lend themselves to (a) implement a self-regulative brain state, with (b) potential impact on participants’ performance (WP2). This approach will be an innovative way to investigate on-line brain functions (cl-BSDS), taking into account the value of brain oscillations in encoding and determining behaviour, and generating new testable hypotheses in the field of cognitive control. Ctrl Code will provide the proof-of concept for optimizing self-regulative brain functions (conflict/attention loop) in order to develop person-centred solutions for attention boosting non-invasively. It will not need active training (vs. neuro-feedback), thus overcoming one of the strongest limitations of standard treatments, since it will capitalize on a natural context (post-conflict attention adjustments) spontaneously generated by the brain.

Mots clés : cognitive conflict, attention, brain oscillations, alpha, theta, closed loop brain state dependent stimulation, neural self regulation

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

I propose to determine the complete "structure-dynamics-function" picture of the photoinduced processes happening in heteroaromatic bimolecules in solution under ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Whilst light induced processes are essential to life (vision and light harvesting processes such as photosynthesis are two prominent examples), they can also be extremely detrimental, as is the case for UV radiation damage of DNA. Nucleobases readily absorb UV light, accessing an electronically excited state and potentially triggering a structural rearrangement, leading to photolesions. Still, these “building blocks” of life present an inherent resistance ("photostability") to these processes, compared to other classes of molecules. This property, far from being comprehensively understood, is believed to be linked with how efficiently these molecules release the excess energy of the photo-prepared electronically excited state through non-radiative relaxation pathways (conical intersections - CIs). The location and topography of CIs can be extremely environment-dependent, particularly in a polar solvent like water: it is thus the interplay between solute and solvent that governs the dynamics and, thus, biological function of these molecules. I propose to perform few-fs resolved deep ultraviolet (DUV) pump - extreme ultraviolet (XUV) probe time resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (TRPES) studies on heteroaromatic biomolecules in solution, with the goal of determining their solvent dependent structural changes (location of the relevant CIs) and the early stages (first tens of fs) of the related ultrafast relaxation pathways. A deeper understanding of the relationship between the structure, dynamics and function of heteroaromatic biomolecules in solution under UV exposure could have multiple implications, from the more basic improvement of auxiliary protections against UV (e.g. better sunscreens) to more advanced materials- and bio- engineering based on nature mimicking.

Mots clés : attosecond science, non adiabatic molecular dynamics, conical intersections, ultrafast optics, ultrashort uv pulses

Participants :
- Politecnico di Milano (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 171473.28 €
Projet TOPOMIE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : TERMINATED

I will carry out an individual fellowship to push forward disruptive advances in enhanced light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. I will explore ways of control light-emission from quantum dots (QDs) combining them with all-dielectric 2D metamaterials that support non-trivial topological properties. The fellowship will be carried out for 2 years in the host organization, the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), under the supervision of Prof. Andrea Alù. In the third year, I will return to the beneficiary organization, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) in Germany, and work under the supervision of Prof. Joerg Schilling. The research includes the development of theory, numerical design, sample fabrication and optical characterization. The combination of - my present experience with active emitters incorporated with nanostructures, - the ASRC-supervisor’s expertise in topological nanophotonics, - ASRC’s unique fabrication and characterization facilities, - the MLU-supervisor’s expertise in nonlinear nanophotonics provides a unique synergy to push forward in disruptive ways the field of nanophotonics and topological optics. I will use near-infrared (NIR) QDs integrated into Silicon as the material platform of interest. The research will contribute to fundamental discoveries in the field of light-matter interactions and topological photonics, and pave the way to compact all-dielectric light-sources for data-processing and telecommunication applications.

Mots clés : topological photonics, silicon, nir quantum dots, light matter interaction, all dielectric metamaterials, topological photonic insulator, optical resonators, purcell, nonlinear photonics, edge states

Participants :
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 246669.12 €
- City University of New York (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet 2DMAT4ENERGY (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

I will engineer van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) materials with tuneable electrochemical response for exploitation in renewable energy applications. These heterostructures, which are constructed by stacking 2D crystals on top of each other, have been attracting increasing attention in solid-state physics, optoelectronics, and photonics but their full potential in electrochemical applications such as energy storage, conversion, and sensing remains completely unexploited. I will control their electrochemical response by external stimuli including electric field, strain, and illumination. In order to succeed, I will first develop a solid understanding of the unexplored key electrochemical properties of 2D materials and their dependence on these stimuli. I will fully exploit my recent experience in 2D materials’ research and the access to the world-class nanofabrication and characterisation facilities and scientific expertise at Cornell University, the University of Manchester, and National Physical Laboratory. This research is motivated by the ever-increasing need for reliable sources of renewable energy, which will provide clean and inexpensive electric energy and address the irreversible depletion of fossil fuels. However, the intermittent nature of renewables (day-night, tidal, and weather cycles) does not permit on-demand supply of electricity. Energy conversion and storage technologies, whose majority relies on electrochemical interfaces, balance this ‘demand vs. supply’ mismatch and prevent energy wastage. The topic of my fellowship is in an excellent alignment with the long-term research strategies within the Horizon 2020 and Graphene Flagship EU programmes. The proposed research will have a significant impact on target areas of EU energy policy, i.e. the 2030 Energy Strategy and Horizon 2020 research programme: namely the 27% of energy consumption from renewable sources and 27% of energy savings while meeting the current demands.

Mots clés : graphene, mos2, 2d materials, van der waals heterostructures, nanofabrication, electron tunnelling, energy storage, tuneable electrochemistry, energy conversion, sensors, renewable energy

Participants :
- Cornell University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Manchester (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 269857.8 €
Projet QuinADAR1 (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Statut du projet : CLOSED

I will investigate what mediates an effective human immune response to infection with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. I will approach this through studying the Fulani ethnic group of West Africa, who are relatively resistant to malaria infection. The basis of the Fulani protection from malaria has never been established. However, we have performed a pilot study which suggests that reduced levels of adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing of RNA by ADAR1 following P. falciparum infection can drive a more effective innate immune response in the Fulani. We have an established collaboration with the Malaria Research and Training Centre at University of Sciences Technique and Technology in Mali, who have strong ties to the Fulani community. At Stockholm University, I have had the opportunity to develop a strong background in immunology research techniques, specifically utilizing in vitro models of malaria infection in human monocytes, in the research group of Eva Sverremark-Ekström. As the role of RNA modifications is an emerging field, I plan to move to CEITEC, Czech Republic, to work with Mary O’Connell, who has pioneered the role of A-to-I RNA modification in the innate immune response to RNA. Specifically, we will test the hypothesis that reduced rates of A-to-I editing of RNA in the Fulani following infection enables them to mount a more effective innate immune response to P. falciparum malaria, and contributes to their relative protection from the disease. Further, targeting of ADAR1 and/or reduction in levels of A-to-I RNA levels may present a novel strategy to boost effective immune response to malaria.

Mots clés : malaria, fulani, adar1, a to i editing of rna, innate immune response, plasmodium

Participants :
- Masaryk University (Rép. Tchèque) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 144980.64 €
Projet Zuppressors (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

I will use my MSCA-IF in the Stukenbrock Lab to dissect the molecular interactions between the fungal pathogen, Zymoseptoria tritici, and its host plant, wheat. Despite being the most devastating fungal wheat disease in Europe, little is known about the molecular mechanisms used by Z. tritici to cause disease. I propose to undertake a project that will use my expertise in molecular biology, combined with the Stukenbrock Lab's expertise in fungal genomics and evolution, to build a better understanding of how Z. tritici is able to evade host immune defences in order to grow, develop and, ultimately, induce disease symptoms. Plant pathogens use secreted proteins, described as effectors, to suppress host defences and/or alter host metabolism. However, few effectors from Z. tritici have been characterised. I aim to identify effectors that are used by Z. tritici to suppress wheat immune systems. To select effector candidates, I will use the Stukenbrock Lab's Zymoseptoria genomic resources to compare the variation in effector complements among Z. tritici and its closely related sister species. Z. tritici can infect wheat and not wild grass species. Inversely, Z. tritici's sister species infect wild grasses, but cannot infect wheat. Therefore, I hypothesise that effectors shared among all of these species are candidates as suppressors of conserved plant immune systems, whereas, effectors unique to Z. tritici, and conserved among all isolates of this fungus, are likely involved in host specialisation. I will screen the former set of effector candidates for their ability to suppress BAK1-dependent immune responses (an immune pathway conserved among a divergent range of plant species). I will knock-out the genes encoding the latter set of effectors, and will screen whether the virulence of the resulting mutants is reduced. Combined, these two approaches will help assign functions to more Z. tritici effectors and, thereby, develop new insights into this devastating disease.

Mots clés : effectors, immune receptor suppression, fungi, zymoseptoria tritici, host specificity, wheat, plant pathogen interactions

Participants :
- Kiel University (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 162806.4 €
Projet I-DireCT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Doctoral Networks - Industrial Doctorates
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

I-DireCT is a European Industrial Doctorate (EID) training network designed to provide training and carry out breakthrough research on the rapidly expanding and high impact field of cancer immunotherapy in a carefully integrated academic and inter-sectoral programme. Hereby, we aim to develop next-generation immunotherapeutics and deliver a set of early stage researchers uniquely qualified for a career in academia and/or industry. Current immunomodulatory antibodies that target pivotal immune checkpoints have revolutionized the field of oncology. However, off-tumor activity limits their application. The objective of I-Direct is to address this issue by 1. developing innovative bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines with tumor-restricted immunostimulatory effects and 2. developing optimized delivery systems to ensure optimal timed release of bio-active drug. Hereto, I-DireCT combines state-of-the-art industrial design of nanotech-based drug formulations with innovative academic and industrial immunotherapeutic concepts into the next-generation of cancer immunotherapeutics. At the core of I-DireCT is its training objective to offer a cutting-edge multidisciplinary training programme that will enable outstanding young scientists to generate breakthrough ideas and assume leading positions in academia and industry. This training programme includes an array of disciplines, ranging from biomedical sciences (e.g. immunology, antibody engineering) and physical sciences (e.g. chemistry, material science) to drug design & development. Industrial partners are central to the programme and provide pivotal inter-sectoral expertise on how to translate scientific discoveries into commercial reality, with each ESR being appointed at an inter-sectoral partner for 18 months, as well as through additional secondments. Further, I-Direct will enable long-term multi-disciplinary research and fosters bilateral co-operations between academia and industry.

Mots clés : antibody based immunotherapy, nanoparticle drug formulations, cancer micro environement, checkpoint, co stimulation, selectivity

Participants :
- Inocure sro (Rép. Tchèque) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 469743.12 €
- Kahr medical ltd (Israël) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 256181.45 €
- University Hospital Würzburg (Allemagne) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 379182.6 €
- Surflay Nanotec (Germany) (Allemagne) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 505576.8 €
- University Medical Center Groningen (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 922291.25 €