Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet MULTI-SOFT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Mechanics exerts significant influence on biological growth, development, and disease through multi-physical factors and at multi scales. Current modelling research in cancer growth, spreading and morphogenesis lags far behind experimental studies, and this gap has seriously hindered cancer diagnosis and treatment. The advanced mathematical and computational modelling of soft tissue and cancer-related phenomena, combined with systematic experimental studies and robust numerical simulations, are of great research significance to the health and economic values of Europe.  The main goal of the MULTI-SOFT project is to overcome these challenges in an original and innovative manner by developing multi-scale and multi-physics modelling of soft tissues to improve our understanding of cancer and develop tools for its identification and treatment. The work will be approached from theoretical, computational, and experimental perspectives based on the applicant's and host laboratory's expertise. The training program is exhaustive and will allow the applicant to grow as an independent researcher. The proposed research will foster further development in this direction, a step that is fundamental in healthcare and for the benefit of society. The applicant is a Chinese scholar with expertise in the areas of applied mathematics, solid mechanics, soft matter, instability and bifurcation, and multi-filed coupling. He has been trained in prestigious academic institutions in China, Ireland, and the UK. He publishes articles in high-impact factor and top journals, at the frontiers of applied mathematics, biomechanics, and other disciplines. He is requesting funds for two years, to work with Prof. Davide Bigoni and his Solid and Structural Mechanics Group at the University of Trento, Italy, and secondment (six months) at the Graz University of Technology, Austria, and the International School for Advanced Studies, Italy.

Mots clés : soft tissues, gel, cancer, multi physics, multi scale, volume growth, morphogenesis, viscoelasticity, instability and bifurcation, discrete model, finite element simulation, experimental techniques

Participants :
- Université technique de Graz (Autriche) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université de Trente (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 172750.08 €
- École internationale supérieure d'études avancées (Italie) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet TIME (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Recent European data shows that stress shortens life expectancy by 2.8 years. Critically, it also affects the way we sense and remember everyday life. TIME presents a novel approach to a fundamental question in neuroscience: how stress affects our memory and perception of experience over time? Previous research disregarded the role of specific neuromodulators, studied stress effects selectively for a certain memory stage and used isolated stimuli rather than complex events in naturalistic contexts. Moreover, stress effects on memory have never been linked to time perception during a stressful experience. TIME addresses these critical gaps with an innovative combination of functional magnetic resonance (fMRI), a pharmacological manipulation and a novel experimental paradigm in virtual reality (VR). The project aims at building the first comprehensive model of stress effects on memory of events and perception of time. First, we hypothesize that a stress hormone cortisol released across all memory stages (encoding, consolidation, retrieval) affects our ability to separate overlapping episodes and segment our experience into events (WP1,WP2). Second, we hypothesize that a higher sampling rate of sensory input may result in a distorted sense of time and influence subsequent temporal memory (WP3). Involved mechanisms will be measured and verified at the behavioural, physiological (WP1,WP2,WP3), neural (WP2) and perceptual (WP3) level. I will carry out the research at CISA, Geneva (outgoing phase, supervised by prof. Rimmele, prof. Vuilleumier) and SISSA, Trieste (return phase, supervised by prof. Bueti), with short visits at Columbia University, NYC (prof. Davachi). Together, these world-leading centers offer a unique environment to make the project realistically achievable by bridging the gaps between neuropharmacology, neuroscience, psychophysics and psychophysiology. TIME will move basic and applied science forward, boost my academic or non-academic career prospects.

Mots clés : neuromodulation, memory, perception stress, emotion, cortisol, pattern separation, event segmentation, hippocampus, amygdala

Participants :
- Université de Genève (Suisse) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- École internationale supérieure d'études avancées (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 319516.16 €
Projet lipaseTEM (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Water contamination caused by human and industrial activities is a significant global concern. One of the most prominent pollutants is oily wastewater, severely impacting groundwater and drinking water quality. Biocatalysts, such as Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL), are used in many household detergents to remove lipids effectively. However, their limited solubility and reusability can increase running costs and hinder large-scale applications. To address this issue, we plan to immobilize TLL on solid supports and determine the appropriate surface density of enzymes, conformational changes during immobilization, and the effect of support on its kinetic properties. Our goal is to develop innovative methods for nanoscale imaging of enzymes using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to gain insights into the structural aspects of immobilization. By investigating the interaction of the immobilized enzyme with the support nanostructure and the lipid substrate, we expect to identify the attributes that maximize the biocatalytic reaction rate. We will explore different immobilization methods on various nanostructures and investigate how TLL interacts with the immobilization matrices at the nanoscale level. Additionally, we will apply water vapor atmosphere in the TEM to explore in situ the dynamic switching between the active and idle state of the single enzyme molecules in real-time by their conformational changes. We are aiming to obtain groundbreaking results and a paradigm shift, based on the in situ kinetic studies of lipase-catalyzed chemical reactions which can become a gateway into the quantum mechanical world of molecular science.

Mots clés : enzyme immobilization, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy

Participants :
- Université technique du Danemark (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 230774.4 €
Projet CYTOMECH (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The cytoplasm is not a simple water-like liquid; it is a crowded heterogeneous medium filled with macromolecules, active cytoskeleton networks and endomembranes. This rich rheology must be precisely coordinated to regulate fundamental cellular processes such as molecular diffusion or cell division. However, while the material properties of the cytoplasm have been well studied at the nanoscale relevant to e.g. protein diffusion, its regulation at the scale of larger assemblies, like nuclei or mitotic spindles, remains poorly addressed. Recent results from the host team suggest that cytoplasm fluid mechanics play a key role in the regulation of cell division of large cells that mark the development of early embryos. In this CYTOMECH project, I thus aim to address how cytoplasm mechanics is regulated during early embryo development. I hypothesize that endomembrane vesicles, tubules and sheets form a crowded polydisperse suspension close to jamming that dominate cytoplasm rheology at the scale of large objects like nuclei or mitotic spindle, relevant to early embryo morphogenesis. Using sea urchin embryos as a model, I will first combine advanced imaging of the cytoplasm with active measurements of cytoplasm mechanics using in vivo magnetic tweezers to address how this endomembrane suspension evolves during early embryogenesis to modulate cytoplasm material properties along with embryo development. Then, using an artificial cell approach, I propose to reconstitute cytoplasm mechanics by encapsulating different cytoplasm extract fractions, enriched in various sets of endomembranes, in water-in-oil droplets; and use this assay to perform a mechanical screen of the cytoplasm. CYTOMECH will represent a breakthrough for our current understanding of how spatiotemporal changes of cytoplasm composition, organization and activity support cell division and embryo morphogenesis, as well as a unique training opportunity for the applicant to become an independent researcher.

Mots clés : cytoplasm rheology cell mechanics cell division cytoskeleton endomembranes sea urchin

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 195914.88 €
- Université Paris Cité (France) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet SimViRNA (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

In this project, I will perform computer simulations and develop new computational methods to elucidate viral functions and RNA. The first two years will take place in the group of Prof Voth in Chicago. Here, I will characterize and quantitatively describe proteolytic cleavage of the CA/SP1 subdomain of the Gag-protein in HIV using quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) Molecular Dynamics simulations (MD). Furthermore, I will employ free energy techniques to simulate binding and unbinding of the protease to CA/SP1 to determine the binding and configurational free energies. These processes are essential for HIV maturation and hence also targeted by drugs. Subsequently, I will parameterize Coarse-grained models for the Protease/CA/SP1 system and develop a Coarse-grained Green's Function Reaction Dynamics method. This method combines the Coarse-grained description with the mesoscopic scale, and hence allows me to simulate structural assembly of the virus capsid coupled to proteolytic cleavage at physiological conditions. This coherent computational approach targets biomolecular processes of outmost relevance, and will greatly advance our understanding, but likewise also push the boundaries of molecular simulations due to the methodological innovations. The third year will be spent in Trieste, in the group of Prof Bussi. In this period, I will develop a hybrid all-atom molecular mechanics / Coarse-grained (MM/CG) model for RNA. It facilitates the simulation of RNA fragments at atomistic resolution while capturing long-range allosteric interactions due to the Coarse-grained representation of the surrounding. This will set a new standard to simulate RNA macromolecules and offers a wide range of application.

Mots clés : hiv proteolytic cleavage free energy simulations coarse grained modeling green s function reaction dynamics hybrid mm cg simulation of rna

Participants :
- Université de Chicago (Etats-Unis) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- École internationale supérieure d'études avancées (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 265099.2 €
Projet SynDrops (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Proteins are among the most essential molecules of life. In recent times, it has been discovered that proteins can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to form highly efficient droplet reservoirs for its functionality. However, these concentrated protein droplets can also lead to pathological protein aggregation and toxic amyloid fibril formation. One such example is α-synuclein (α-Syn), which can undergo LLPS-mediated amyloid aggregation associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. The physiological and pathological relevance of α-Syn LLPS remains elusive in the context of many biological factors such as familial mutations, presence of other synucleins, protein modifications and lipid membrane interaction. All of these factors significantly modulate the aggregation of monomeric α-Syn in solution. In this proposal, I aim to elucidate and quantify the effects of these mentioned in vivo relevant factors on the phase separation of α-Syn in a high throughput (HTP) and quantitative manner. While my work was the first to show that α-Syn can undergo LLPS; the host laboratory has developed a microfluidics based HTP method perfectly suited for protein LLPS related research. During the course of this project I will get trained on this particular technique along with several other sophisticated instruments. The outcome of this project will significantly help to elucidate the molecular origins of PD and provide important insights with respect to the onset time and progression of PD pathology, which is currently poorly understood. The knowledge obtained from this study will have crucial impact on the European society and the results might also be of interest to the pharmaceutical industries to effectively design new drugs against the progression of PD pathology in the long run.

Mots clés : liquid liquid phase separation, synuclein, parkinson s disease, mutation

Participants :
- Université technique du Danemark (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 230774.4 €
Projet Eelctro-Ammonia (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

In 2020, the total global production of ammonia is up to 144 million metric tons via the Haber-Bosch process that is energy-intensive in that it requires a substantial driving force (e.g. 500 oC and 200 atm) to break the highly inert N-N triple bond, which consumes 1-2% of the world’s annual energy output and generates over 1% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The electrochemical nitrogen (N2) reduction reaction (NRR) has attracted much attention to circumvent the carbon-intensive Haber-Bosch process because of the decreasing renewable electricity prices. In contrast to the Haber-Bosch process that produces ammonia in large and centralized factories, the electrocatalytic route can achieve on-site ammonia synthesis in small-scale devices with the expectation to reduce the price of fertilizer and realize a neutral carbon footprint. However, electrochemical ammonia synthesis suffers from extremely low partial current density and Faradaic efficiency towards ammonia in aqueous conditions due to the competition of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). There are two challenges to NRR in aqueous conditions: (1) the HER competitive reaction is much faster than NRR in kinetics and the activation of N2 is therefore difficult, (2) low solubility of N2 in aqueous electrolytes. To overcome the challenges mentioned above, in this project, I aim to combine electrocatalysts design (i.e. suppress the HER and activate N2) and electrochemical reactor engineering (i.e. overcome the mass transport limits of N2) to improve the ammonia yield rates and current efficiency. Theory-guided preparation of singe-atom catalysts and diluted surface alloy will be performed in flow-cell/MEA electrolyzers (i.e. designed three different setups) to obtain a clear structure-activity relationship with the assistance of in-situ spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The obtained structure-activity relationship could guide the rational development of high-performance catalysts for efficient NRR.

Mots clés : electrochemical synthesis of ammonia, flow cell mea electrolyzers, single atom catalysts, diluted surface alloys

Participants :
- Université technique du Danemark (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 230774.4 €
Projet MacroRhino (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

A growing body of evidence suggest that viruses can modulate myeloid cells responses leading to long term impairment of monocytes/macrophages phenotypes. Whereas for virus directly infecting macrophages, the long-term effects on these cells function and phenotype have been extensively studied, for virus infecting other cell types, the effects on macrophages have been overlooked. Yet, recent data suggest that virus-mediated modulation of macrophages can even occurred when the virus do not replicate in these cells. Indeed, viruses have broader ways to modulate the innate immune responses than the one identified in permissive cells. Understanding the mechanisms of action employed by viruses to modulate macrophages responses could not only provide possible targets to eliminate the infection, but also offer therapeutic options to prevent/avoid virus-associated pathogenesis. Human rhinovirus (HRV) impairs macrophages’ responses upon secondary challenge with bacteria. The host laboratory identified arpin as a critical factor targeted by HRV to alter the phagocytic activity of macrophages and showed that HRV16-treated macrophages present a “paralysed” phenotype in terms of cytokine secretion. The precise mechanisms governing the reprogramming of the macrophages are however not fully elucidated. Furthermore, it is still unclear whether HRV needs to replicate within macrophages to reprogram their phenotype and functions. Therefore, my objectives are to decipher (i) if HRV can replicate in alveolar macrophages and (ii) what are the HRV-mediated mechanisms leading to impaired macrophages’ functions. Moreover, the models employed to study macrophages present advantages but do not recapitulate organ physiology, which plays a key role on the resident macrophage phenotype. Therefore, I will develop a model of human lung alveolar macrophage-like cell (LAML) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (h-iPSC) to answer the above-mentioned objectives.

Mots clés : macrophages phagocytosis innate immunity host pathogen interaction copd

Participants :
- Université Paris Cité (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195914.88 €
Projet CholMap (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Cholesterol is a structural component of membranes and plays a key role in human health by regulating the fluidity of membranes and affecting signaling pathways. Intracellular cholesterol transport proteins (CTP) are responsible for maintaining cholesterol homeostasis by regulating local cholesterol concentrations, arising from de novo biosynthesis or dietary sources. Dysregulated cholesterol transport is associated with cardiovascular disease but also Alzheimer's and cancer. Despite the obvious importance of CTPs, a chemical probe to investigate binding, inhibition and selectivity profiling of CTP inhibitors does not exist. CTPs are all structurally related in their cholesterol binding site. Therefore, the development of a selective modulator to study their individual function and possible therapeutic relevance is challenging. Only a few CTP inhibitors have been reported so far and it has not been possible to conclusively evaluate their cellular selectivity. In CholMap, I aim to introduce a universal sterol-based affinity probe with the ability to bind all CTPs and evaluate the selectivity of CTP inhibitors in cells. This sterol-based probe would be bifunctional containing a diazirine, which is transformed into a carbene via UV irradiation for covalent binding to CTPs, and an alkyne for binding to a functional tag via click chemistry. I will synthesize differently constituted probes and test them in vitro for their efficiency. An optimized sterol-based affinity probe would be used in a chemoproteomic workflow to determine the target engagement and the selectivity of different CTP inhibitors. The introduction of a universal sterol-based affinity probe in combination with a chemoproteomic workflow would constitute the first example of CTP selectivity profiling in cells. The results will also enable me to uncover new sterol-binding proteins including new potential drug targets, as well as providing a large dataset accessible to the whole research field.

Mots clés : proteomics, cholesterol transportation, chemoproteomic workflow, competitive pull down assay

Participants :
- Université technique du Danemark (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 247553.28 €
Projet LEXLlull (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The dissemination of the intellectual lexicon in Europe occurred thanks to the development of universities and the vulgarisation of knowledge. The LEXLlull project aims to analyse the origin and relationship between these two phenomena through the extraordinary production of the Catalan writer Ramon Llull (1232-1316), who was in contact with the academic world of his time and aspired to spread the epistemological system he had created (i.e. the Art) to all strata of society. The project envisages the creation of a multilingual (Catalan, Latin, French and Occitan) online dictionary based on the works and translations that circulated when the author was alive, and a monographic study of the scientific vocabulary used in the different languages in relation to the study centres he frequented and the different audiences he addressed. In this way, it is possible to obtain a synchronic source of the medieval European scientific lexicon in the main Romance languages and to understand how laymen could acquire this knowledge.

Mots clés : ramon llull, translation studies, lexicography, european intellectual lexicon

Participants :
- Université de Genève (Suisse) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Societa internazionale per lo studio del medioevo latino-s.i.s.m.e.l.associazione (Italie) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université de Rome « La Sapienza » (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 388940.52 €
- Université pour étrangers de pérouse (Italie) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €