Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet BICE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Animal behaviour is shaped by genetic traits, memories of past experiences and current internal states. Even in isogenic animal populations in a controlled environment, individual behaviour can be found. I obtained evidence that unexpectedly, the behaviour of adult C. elegans nematodes is influenced by the age of their mother. Progeny from young mothers explore less and dwell more in the same spot. I will exploit the model to characterise how the physiology of one generation determines the behaviour of the next generation. Second, I will determine additional environmental factors that imprint on C. elegans during development and thus modulate behaviour later in life. To examine the mechanism of maternal-age induced and environmentally induced behavioural variation, I will combine innovative genetic and pharmacological tools with state-of-the animal tracking and quantitative behavioural data analysis. I aim to determine the molecules and cells that sense and transmit the signals during development, and characterise the changes in neuronal wiring affecting behaviour in adult animals. Funding for this project will allow me to describe how 1) transgenerational effects such as maternal age and 2) environmental stimuli modulate behaviour later in life, in an amenable model organism such as C. elegans. Both parts of the project will partially overlap in time to complete the action within a 2-year time frame. As components of the nervous system are largely conserved between the nematodes and mammals, findings are likely to be extrapolated to higher animals.

Mots clés : behaviour, imprinting, c  elegans, maternal age, environmental stimuli

Participants :
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 172932.48 €
Projet CAOCD (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Animals have adapted to their ecological niche by developing unique behavioral strategies. However, little is known about the underlying changes in neuronal circuit structure and/or function. To understand how evolution might modify nervous systems, I propose to perform comparative neurobiological analyses of the anatomy and physiology of central olfactory circuitry in two drosophilid species (Drosophila sechellia and D. melanogaster), which have adapted to different niches and display distinct odor-evoked behaviors. Although several changes in peripheral, sensory neuron properties have been observed between these species, the function and evolution of central circuitry has not yet been examined. The architecture and the neuronal coding properties of the primary olfactory center (antennal lobe; AL) of D. melanogaster is well-characterized and thus serves as an excellent “reference” for interspecies comparison. Using new neurogenetic approaches in D. sechellia, I will first use calcium imaging to record physiological responses in the AL to volatile cues evoking short- and long-range attraction behavior. Second, I will trace the projections of second-order olfactory neurons to higher brain centers using genetically-encoded photoactivable markers and/or trans-synaptic tracers. Third, I will study the structure and function of these central pathways in odor-evoked attraction by combining trans-synaptic labeling and optogenetics. Together, these experiments will help us understand how different olfactory pathways mediate long and short range attraction and how they are modified during evolution to confer species-specific behavioral outputs.

Mots clés : calcium imaging, neuroanatomy, ethology

Participants :
- University of Lausanne (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 191149.44 €
Projet NeuroModSense (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Animals interact with and respond to their environment by processing sensory inputs such as visual and auditory cues, touch, taste and smell. How an animal responds to sensory inputs however depends on its internal state (e.g. sleep, wakefulness, stress, fed or starved conditions), such that the same sensory input can produce different behaviours. Neuromodulators play an important role in mediating the internal state of the animal. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) are neuropeptides that are conserved across vertebrates and modulate feeding and reproductive behaviours, antagonistically. They are produced by discrete neuronal populations, and are dispersed widely throughout the brain. Studies suggest that both GnRH/NPY modulate the basal olfactory response by altering the synaptic properties of olfactory receptor neurons. However, it is not known how GnRH/NPY influence the processing of chemosensory information in the olfactory bulb (OB) and ultimately odour driven behaviour. Here, I will use an optically transparent and genetically amenable vertebrate model, zebrafish to study brain function and behaviour. First, I will use genetic methods to specifically label, and visualise the activity of the GnRH/NPY neurons in response to natural odours ex vivo. Next, I will manipulate the activity of these neurons using optogenetics and by expressing neurotoxin/cell ablation genes, and study the effect on olfactory processing in the OB. Finally, after manipulating the activity of GnRH/NPY neurons, I will analyse the effect on odour driven behaviour. This will reveal the role of these neuromodulators in olfactory processing and hence on odour driven behaviour in vertebrates. This project unites my expertise in molecular genetics with that of my host in frontier neuroscience to address a fundamental question of sensory processing, relevant for understanding disorders in which behaviour is decoupled from internal state (e.g. obesity/anorexia).

Mots clés : gnrh, functional calcium imaging, neuropeptide, olfaction, behaviour, zebrafish

Participants :
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 208400.4 €
Projet ECONUTRISENS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Animals need to feed to incorporate nutrients -amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids. Since feeding substrates contain varying concentrations of these nutrients, animals have in place peripheral chemosensory mechanisms to search for them, and internal nutrient sensing mechanisms to assess their needs. Additionally, species occupying different ecological niches have evolved to profit from feeding substrates with different nutritional composition. My goal is to understand the relationship between these nutrient sensing mechanisms and a species’ nutritional needs, in the context of its ecological niche and its evolutionary history. I propose to model this subject on a comparative study between the recent global pest species Drosophila suzukii and D. melanogaster. Although both are generalist species that feed on overripe fruits as adults, D. suzukii has conquered a new egg laying niche, the ripening fruit, which implies a new nutritional landscape for the developing larva. I will address this subject by integrating three levels of analysis. First, the nutritional composition of their environment, the host fruits, and how it is affected by larval activity. Second, larval metabolic parameters and the activity of nutrient sensitive signaling pathways. Third, the function of the the peripheral chemosensory system related to nutrient sensing. I will accomplish this by translating tools generated on the model species D. melanogaster for the study of physiology and metabolism to D. suzukii. Through this action I will apply an innovative approach to the study of nutrition that integrates its ecological, physiological, chemosensory and evolutionary aspects. I will generate knowledge on the biology of D. suzukii, important for the fight against the growing pest. Importantly, this project will restart my career in academia after an unintentional break and I will train in the new skills I need to become an independent group leader on this same research topic.

Mots clés : drosophila suzukii larva pest nutrition food composition adaptation niche chemoreception metabolism physiology

Participants :
- Max Planck Society (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 262209.6 €
Projet ParaKrill (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, play essential roles in the Southern Ocean. These small pelagic crustaceans are prey for most of the region’s birds, mammals, and fish, as well as influencing the carbon cycle through export to the deep sea. Additionally, krill are the target of a currently expanding commercial fishery. Sustainably managing Antarctic krill requires an understanding of the factors influencing their growth, reproduction and mortality. One such factor which remains very poorly known is the role of parasites. My recent research using new molecular tools has shown a much higher than expected diversity and prevalence of parasite infections in krill. I observed DNA sequences of a broad variety of parasites (fungi, peronosporomycetes, apicomplexa, nematodes, and ciliates) within the guts of krill, with over 10% of krill individuals containing parasite DNA. This MSCA action will build on those preliminary results – applying a combination of novel molecular approaches, traditional incubation experiments, and mathematical modelling to address three key questions: 1) What eukaryotic parasites and symbionts are found in E. superba? 2) How are parasites distributed in geographic and environmental space? and 3) What impact do parasites have on E. superba secondary production? To address these broad questions this project brings together research expertise from Australia (Australian Antarctic Division), Europe (British Antarctic Survey and the University of Stirling), and the Americas (National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico), as well as establishing new intersectoral collaborations with fisheries (Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies) and tourism (Hurtigruten). The results of this research will be communicated to national and international krill fisheries management organizations – allowing the role of parasites to be taken into account to improve the sustainability of management for this key species.


Participants :
- Australian Antarctic Division (Australie) — Partner, organization partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- UK Research and Innovation (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 277940.16 €
Projet PHYCOCYP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Anthropic activities result in a continuous release of Organic Contaminants (OCs) in the aquatic environment and chemical pollution may considerably affect phytoplankton that are photosynthetic microorganisms playing a major role in aquatic ecosystems. Adverse outcomes of OCs on phytoplankton are directly linked to the ability of the organism to face the toxic insult. OCs may be metabolized to less toxic compounds activating poorly understood biotransformation processes. The main objective of the PHYCOCYP project is to improve the mechanistic understanding of biotransformation processes and their role in phytoplankton tolerance to OCs. Among the numerous enzymes involved in xenobiotic biotransformation, a key role is played by Cytochrome P450 (CYPs). CYPs are found in all domains of life and were extensively studied in higher organisms. However, little information is available on the role of CYPs in OC biotransformation and tolerance in phytoplankton. The PHYCOCYP project will address this knowledge gap. Recent genomic studies highlighted the presence of multiple CYP genes in phytoplankton species and toxicological studies indicated their involvement in phytoplankton responses to OC exposure. In the proposed research, an initial screening will investigate whether CYP genes expression is conserved in different phytoplankton classes exposed to OCs with different modes of action. The involvement of CYPs in OC biotransformation and tolerance will be then assessed in a model phytoplankton specie integrating a genetic approach to physiological investigations and metabolic profiling of OC transformation products. Aquatic environment preservation and restoration is one of the main contemporary environmental challenges. Knowledge generated with PHYCOCYP project will help evaluate the potential impact of OC on key organisms of aquatic ecosystems and may serve for the implementation of biotransformation processes for OC removal and pollution remediation.

Mots clés : aquatic environement, pollution, phytoplankton, organic contaminant, stress responses, biotransformation, cytochrome p450, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, emerging contaminants, microalgae, diatom

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 295061.76 €
Projet CO2NOR (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Anthropogenic activities have increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations, which are considered to be the main cause of global warming. The EU has set itself targets for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions progressively up to 2050. A popular proposed solution to this crucial problem is carbon capture and storage (CCS). Ophiolitic rocks are considered among the most promising lithotypes for CO2 storage due to their high reactivity and many exposures in the world. In this proposal, an innovative and sustainable method for ex situ mineral carbonation will be suggested that will ensure the safe storage of CO2. This method includes the creation of novel nanomaterials via the ball milling process, based on low-cost ultramafic and mafic rocks from the Troodos ophiolite (Cyprus), which is considered as the most complete ophiolite worldwide. Although numerous studies have been carried out on the petrogenetic evolution of the Troodos ophiolite, a systematic work about the applicability of these rocks for CCS will be done for the first time in this study. Fines and waste material from quarries in the wider Troodos area will also be used for the development of nanomaterials. It is anticipated that ball milling will accelerate the kinetics of rock-fluid reactions during the carbonation procedure. Hence, carbonate minerals, which are stable over geological timescales, will provide a safe long term CCS solution. Additives will also be tested in the nanomaterials in an attempt to increase their CO2-storage capacity. The proposal also involves applied research in the form of exploitation of the end-product carbonates in the building industry. The successful outcome of this project will be based on the researcher’s extensive experience in the study of mafic and ultramafic ophiolitic rocks and mineral carbonation, as well as on supervisor’s expertise in the fields of nanomaterials and CCS.

Mots clés : carbon capture and storage, ex situ mineral carbonation, ultramafic rocks, mafic rocks, nanomaterials, ball milling, building materials, troodos ophiolite complex, cyprus

Participants :
- University of Cyprus (Chypre) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 151648.8 €
Projet WhiteShift (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are skyrocketing, resulting in ocean warming and acidification. Yet we are only beginning to understand how this human footprint impacts phytoplankton and associated sinking carbon fluxes to the deep ocean. WhiteShift addresses these questions for a marine calcifying phytoplankter in one of the most climate sensitive regions, the Subarctic Ocean, where the species is expanding its range northward. First, we investigate the impact of a changing ocean on the spatiotemporal distribution of the species by a novel integrative approach connecting long-term optical satellite observations with fundamental ecological theory. Next, we examine if the enormous amounts of calcite produced by this species ballast organic carbon using optical technology on autonomous profiling floats. WhiteShift’s generic methodology and integrative framework is directly transportable to the global ocean and will provide important new insights into the ocean-climate nexus. WhiteShift is a strongly multidisciplinary and international project bringing together the fellow’s core expertise on spaceborne and in situ optical oceanography with (1) expertise in carbon fluxes from cutting-edge autonomous ocean sensing technology spearheaded by the Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche-sur-Mer (host, France), (2) state-of-the-art ecological niche modelling championed by the Laboratoire d’Océanologie et Géosciences (partner, France), and (3) expert organismal knowledge accumulated by the Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel (partner, Germany). The fellow will be trained by top-level scientists and will significantly widen her network and competences through advanced training in biogeochemistry, ocean carbonate chemistry, and ecological modelling. This action will catalyse her career into an independent and mature researcher with an eclectic skill set geared at a unique and active contribution to European excellence in ocean observation and modelling.

Mots clés : phytoplankton, carbon flux

Participants :
- Sorbonne Université (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 173076.0 €
Projet LCCMcons (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Anthropogenic land use/land cover change (LULCC) is now one of the major causes of biodiversity loss and the second largest source of carbon emissions to the atmosphere. Policy-makers face a challenging task when making decisions that impact the future of the landscapes with great levels of uncertainty about its outcome. Spatially-explicit LULCC models can be important tools to help assessing the outcome of such decisions a piori. However, modelling anthropogenic processes is a great challenge. Not only is the physical environment itself highly variable, but the underlying processes that drive LULCC combine socio-economic, cultural, political and environmental factors. Although enormous advances have been made in the field of LULCC modelling over the past couple of decades, there is room for improvement as these models still lack the ability to project both the rate and location of future change accurately. Improving these models would dramatically increase their potential to help solving real-world problems. Therefore, this research proposal will improve an existing LCCM to be able to incorporate region- and land-use transition specific parameters, representing observed relationships between proximate causes and drivers of LULCC, which vary over time and space. By the means of two real-world case studies, on different biomes (Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest), this project will show how a LULCC model can be used to tackle two important worldwide conservation issues: the conflict between infrastructure development and conservation (Serengeti) and the impacts of implementing financial incentives to promote forest restoration (Atlantic Forest). Ultimately, this research proposal will provide a framework for robust decision-making under uncertainty, particularly when considering potential trade-offs between socio-economic and ecological implications at different scales, and a tool for aiding management of stakeholders' conflicts due to LULCC.

Mots clés : land cover change, spatial modelling, conservation, regional planning, policy

Participants :
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 159460.8 €
Projet ACPNMR (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Antibiotics are a vital part of modern medicine. However, the available arsenal of antibiotics becomes less effective as microorganisms develop "resistance" against them. The resulting crisis in medicine necessitates development of new drugs. Natural products inspired compounds are a potential solution to this challenge. For example, gladiolin biosythesized by a mulitenzyme polyketide synthase (PKS) was shown to be active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a multidrug resistant bacterium that one third of world’s population is infected with. The PKS producing gladiolinum is a good example of multienzymatic assembly lines that due to their modular nature are ideal for genetic manipulation paving the way for synthetic biology approach to produce new drugs (that are difficult to synthesize using chemical methods). However, for such approach to be successful it is crucial to understand molecular level structural and dynamical factors responsible for controlling directionality and specificity of biosynthesis. Neglecting such factors, when modifying PKSs often results in assembly lines that are inactive or dysfunctional. Here we propose to use a novel approach combining state-of-the-art solution and solid-state NMR methods to investigate structure, dynamics and interactions of proteins from module 12 of gladiolin PKS, particularly acyl carrier proteins (ACP12a and ACP12b) and special adapter ketosynthase (KS12), all of them highly required in industrial biosynthesis toolbox. We will use solution NMR to characterize isolated ACPs and solid-state NMR to study ACPs-KS12 complexes (direct structural information is difficult to obtain by solution NMR due to the large complex size). Combining solution and solid-state NMR relaxation methods will allow us to probe protein motions over 6 orders of magnitude providing a comprehensive picture of relevant dynamic changes in ACPs-KS12 complexes.

Mots clés : solution and solid state nmr, gladiolin, polyketide synthase, synthetic biology, molecular modelling, antibiotics

Participants :
- University of Warwick (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €