Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet SMART (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Marine sponges, the multicellular and sessile with associated microbes constituting 40% of their biomass, are vital in marine ecosystems for habitat creation, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, biodiversity support, and water filtration. This project investigates how associated microbes enable sponges, particularly the blue icing sponge Lendenfeldia chondrodes, to adapt to heat stress. By studying microbial communities, we explore their influence on sponge resilience, survival, and recovery from high-temperature conditions. The findings contribute to global climate change understanding. The findings could contribute to the European Union's commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystems, ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability. Unravelling the roles of microbes in sponge adaptation holds broader societal implications, including improved ecosystem management, conservation strategies, and the development of early warning systems for monitoring environmental stress. While previous studies have explored microbial associations in sponges under stressful conditions, the specific focus on the adaptation of "Blue icing sponges" to heat stress and their potential as early indicators remains unexplored. The interdisciplinary nature of the project, combining molecular biology, omics studies (metagenomics and metatranscriptomics), ecology, and bioinformatics, promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines. Economically and technologically, identifying microbial indicators of environmental stress can facilitate the establishment of early warning systems and monitoring protocols, leading to more efficient conservation efforts and reduced costs associated with ecosystem degradation. Societally, the outcomes of this research can influence policies and decision-making related to marine conservation and climate change mitigation. The project will also support professional development through knowledge dissemination and research publication

Mots clés : marine sponge, aquaculture, thermal stress, microbial metagenomics and transcriptomics

Participants :
- Université Louis-et-Maximilien de Munich (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 189687.36 €
Projet ASIA (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Mountain ranges support about 25% of all terrestrial species in the world and are hotspots of biodiversity and endemism with high conservation value. Despite mountains being among the most species-rich regions in Asia, they are one of the world's most fragile ecosystems due to habitat destruction and global climate change. Little is known about the historical (evolutionary) processes underpinning the unique plant diversity in Asian mountains. So far, most studies have focused on the Himalayan and Hengduan mountains, suggesting the elevated plant diversity results from the interaction between the Asian monsoon, geological history, and high immigration. However, existing studies in the Malay Archipelago suggest that species richness results from long-distance dispersal, immigration of lineages from local lowland ancestors, and complex geological history. Therefore, an integrated hypothesis-driven framework to test the relative importance of such drivers, including how functional traits innovations may have contributed to such radiations in the Asian mountains, is needed. The overarching aim of ASIA is to understand the evolutionary and biogeographical processes that govern the plant biodiversity of the tropical Asian mountains using the model plant group Rhododendron (heather family, or Ericaceae). This species-rich lineage is widely represented across almost all Asian biodiversity hotspots. The ASIA project will unravel the most important drivers of high plant diversity in Asian mountains by developing a well-resolved phylogenetic hypothesis using high-throughput sequencing technologies, biogeography, macroevolutionary models, geological history, and species ecology. ASIA will provide insights on the adaptability of a widespread plant clade and identify areas of high extant speciation rates and species richness with potential conservation applications.

Mots clés : biodiversity, mountains, biogeography, macroevolution, macroecology, diversification, functional traits, phylogenetics, phylogenomics, herbarium

Participants :
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 232916.16 €
Projet GLiMMer (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Sailors called it “burning of the sea”, Shakespeare described it as “pale fire” and Aristotle named it “cold light”. The glimmer they witnessed was light emitted by living organisms or bioluminescence. While it represents one of the most striking examples of convergent evolution across the tree of life, in Fungi it has a single origin in the Agaricales order, Basidiomycota. In particular, Mycena, a large genus of mushroom-forming fungi, includes most of known bioluminescent species together with hundreds of species that lost the ability to emit light. In GLiMMer, I will study the evolution of fungal bioluminescence and test the hypothesis that multiple, lineage-specific mechanisms led to the convergent loss of this trait, providing clues for its ecological relevance. To date, Mycena lacks a robust phylogenetic framework and is heavily under sampled. Fungarium collections, such as the one at Naturalis, preserved thousands of Mycena specimens over the past centuries. Thanks to new high-throughput sequencing methods these collections are being transformed in genomics resources, bridging taxonomy and evolution. In GLiMMer, my expertise in fungal genomics will serve to develop a genome-based classification of Mycena, that combines contemporary and museum specimens. I will generate assemblies of 100 representative species using short-read sequencing. Next, I will extract phylogenetically informative loci to design a target sequence capture method for recalcitrant museum specimens for the first time in mushrooms. Then, I will use the new classification to select reference species and obtain chromosomal-level assemblies using long-read sequencing. Finally, with genome-wide synteny analyses I will investigate the evolutionary circumstances that led to the birth and death of bioluminescence in Fungi. By integrating taxonomy, genomics and evolution, my project will create a paradigm shift in our knowledge on fungal biodiversity and ultimately contribute to its conservation.

Mots clés : fungal genomics, museomics, long read sequencing, next generation sequencing, target enrichment via dna hybridization capture

Participants :
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 203464.32 €
Projet MICROINVADER (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The human gut microbiota plays a critical role in safeguarding human health by defending against pathogens and supporting essential metabolic and immune functions. Nevertheless, our understanding of how the gut microbiota influences bacterial invasion and evolution within the human body is incomplete due to the complexity of these interactions. Furthermore, the specific mechanisms through which commensal bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, successfully invade and evolve in distinct human gut microbiota compositions remain unclear. The MICROINVADER project aims to address this knowledge gap, utilizing an established in vitro gut simulator to investigate the precise mechanisms underlying the successful invasion of distinct human gut microbiota ecosystems by the commensal bacterium E. coli. Furthermore, MICROINVADER aims to characterize at the molecular level the processes that shape the evolution of invading strains in response to specific human gut microbiota compositions. Subsequently, MICROINVADER will validate these findings through in vitro and in vivo experiments, focusing on quantifying the selection strength acting on the genetic mechanisms that are crucial for bacterial invasion and colonization in different human gut environments. By unveiling these novel mechanisms driving bacterial invasion and colonization within diverse human gut microbiotas, MICROINVADER seeks to provide critical insights that may have far-reaching implications for enhancing human health. Ultimately, MICROINVADER aims to contribute to our understanding of how to manipulate the gut microbiota in ways that promote and sustain overall well-being.

Mots clés : colonization resistance intrahost evolution e coli human microbiome experimental evolution

Participants :
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 195914.88 €
Projet BVO (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), responsible for generating all blood cells, are produced during embryonic development in the aorta of the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region. This process involves specialized endothelial cells (ECs), called hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs), undergoing an endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT), which leads to the formation of HSC precursors (pre-HSCs) that mature into functional HSCs. However, the regulation of HEC specification and EHT remains poorly understood. The suportive microenvironment in the AGM includes various factors like growth factors, cell interactions, and biomechanical forces, such as shear stress induced by blood flow, all of which are crucial for HSC generation. In vitro production of HSCs from pluripotent stem cells has been challenging, posing a barrier to addressing the shortage of HSCs for clinical treatment of blood-related diseases. Blood vessel organoids (BVOs), derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), offer a promising model for studying HEC specification and EHT, as they consist of a network of arterial ECs. The first objective of this proposal is to develop a modified protocol for BVO culture to induce the formation of HECs, EHT, and the generation of (pre-)HSCs from human iPSCs. Immunostaining, flow cytometry, single-cell RNA-sequencing, and functional hematopoietic assays will be used to evaluate the potential of human (h)BVOs. Data on hBVOs will be compared with published data from human AGM populations. The second objective is to study the impact of shear stress on EHT by using a new RUNX1-GFP reporter iPSC line and time-lapse confocal microscopy. These hBVOs will be cultured in a microfluidic system to simulate pulsatile blood flow, mimicking in vivo conditions in the AGM. This approach will help develop animal-free, high-throughput models for studying and modulating endothelial and hematopoietic production in vitro, with potential applications for future clinical therapies.

Mots clés : organoids, hemogenic endothelium, hematopoietic stem cell formation, blood flow

Participants :
- Académie royale néerlandaise des arts et des sciences (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 217076.16 €
Projet TARAF (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The project on taxonomy and azole resistance in Aspergillus section Flavi aims to investigate the classification and drug resistance patterns of fungal species within this specific section. Aspergillus section Flavi comprises various species known to produce carcinogenic aflatoxins, posing significant risks to human and animal health. The project involves taxonomic studies to accurately identify and classify different species within Aspergillus section Flavi. This classification is essential for understanding the diversity and distribution of these fungi, as well as their specific traits and potential virulence factors. Another crucial aspect of the project is the investigation of azole resistance in Aspergillus section Flavi. Azoles are commonly used antifungal drugs for treating Aspergillus infections. However, reports of azole resistance in certain Aspergillus species have raised concerns. Understanding the mechanisms behind azole resistance is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and identifying potential targets for drug development. The project involves molecular analysis techniques to detect and characterize genetic mutations or other mechanisms associated with azole resistance in Aspergillus section Flavi. Additionally, it may involve assessing the clinical impact of azole resistance on patient outcomes and exploring potential risk factors for the development and spread of resistant strains. By combining taxonomic studies with investigations into azole resistance, the project aims to enhance our understanding of the diversity, distribution, and drug resistance profiles of Aspergillus species within section Flavi. This knowledge can ultimately contribute to improved diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, and public health strategies to mitigate the impact of these fungal infections.

Mots clés : taxonomy, azole resistance, aspergillus

Participants :
- Académie royale néerlandaise des arts et des sciences (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 187624.32 €
Projet EpiDevoTimeMachine (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

During development, a cell's fate will become increasingly restricted, facilitated by the combined activity of transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers. Single-cell RNA sequencing has greatly improved our appreciation of the transcriptional dynamics underlying lineage specification. However, we still do not fully comprehend how epigenetic modifiers guide this highly dynamic process, as methods that enable us to accurately concatenate a cell's past and present epigenetic state with its current lineage identity are missing. Here, I propose to investigate the combined dynamics and interdependencies of transcription and the polycomb-group of proteins during the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into gastruloids. First, I aim to deploy a protocol that enables the simultaneous quantification of both layers in the same single cell to disentangle epigenetic from transcriptional heterogeneity. Second, I aim to develop a molecular memory system to record the past epigenetic profiles of single cells. This system will be based on the expression of proteins fused to a bacterial Dcm methylase, which will allow for the timed recording and faithful transmission of historic epigenetic profiles. Combined with quantification of transcription of the same single cell, this will enable us to directly integrate past epigenetic states with the current identity of single cells. The proposed work here will therefore allow us to directly assess the role of epigenetic modifiers on establishing cell fate choice and will have important implications on our understanding of the regulation of mammalian development.

Mots clés : development epigenetics single cell gastruloids memory

Participants :
- Académie royale néerlandaise des arts et des sciences (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 187624.32 €
Projet SustainableCommodity (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Economic Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The research project “SustainableCommodities” studies the European Deforestation-free law (EUDR) intended and unintended effect on Agricultural Commodities (AC) Supply Chains (SC) social, economic and environmental sustainability, providing insight into related business opportunities and risks, and ultimately suggesting improvements and reinterpretations to the existing regulatory framework. To meet the growing AC demand more resources are required to increase production, such as land, labor force, technologies, logistics, transportation, storage, and production infrastructure. However, the AC production is also responsible for significant negative impacts on the environment and on the people and communities involved especially in developing countries,. In governing AC SC dynamics, the EU has taken a decisive step with the EUDR establishing that "any operator or trader who places these commodities on the EU market, or exports from it, must be able to prove that the products do not originate from recently deforested land." The aim of the project is to: i) Understand if the EUDR, is setting the stage for the de-commoditization of AC, its effect on social, economic, and environmental sustainability of SC’s. ii) Establish what characteristics should a certification have to ensure environmental, economic, and social sustainability of the SCs and identify what technologies are functional for this purpose. iii) Clarify the EUDR effect on global AC flows and predict any possible availability risk and product demand risk. Understand the effect of the global flow change on sustainability in the SC. iv) Evaluate whether and how a substantial rethinking of the AC SC in terms of production, transportation, and transformation strategies is required and if the interplay between regulators, multinational firms, and farmers needs to be redefined by different, regulatory strategies and rewarding mechanisms.

Mots clés : supply chain sustainability, agriculture commodities, sustainability policies, certification, de commoditization, eudr, transnational agriculture regulation

Participants :
- Université Raymond-Lulle (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 194074.56 €
Projet ChaoPVA (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

In this project, I propose an innovative nanoscale therapeutic system for the optimized delivery of ellipticine (Elli), as a proof of concept, to cancer cells. Utilizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)—a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer—we will form micelles that encapsulate Elli within their hydrophobic core. To overcome challenges associated with cellular uptake and nanoparticle´s trafficking, we will functionalize the surface of the micelles with boron clusters to endow the nanocarrier with chaotropic activity, thereby facilitating enhanced membrane translocation. Further, we will integrate DNA motifs, specifically pyramid-shaped linkages (L-Py), into the boron cluster framework through coordination bonds. This modification is anticipated to permit selective targeting of cancer cells, thereby maximizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues. The therapeutic efficacy of the resulting complex, formulated as Elli@APVA/n(L-Py)‒[B12Br12-n]2-, will be comprehensively evaluated using both in vitro 3D cell culture models and in vivo mimicking approaches, including 3D bioprinting. Overall, this project will allow me to carry out a 2-year project independently, growing towards a mature, professional, and independent researcher in the drug delivery field, reinforcing my expertise on advanced characterization of nanoparticle-cell interactions.

Mots clés : nanomedicine hydrogel materials therapeutic polymers drug delivery active targeting

Participants :
- Université de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 165312.96 €
Projet GRAPHYRIN (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The ongoing miniaturization of electronic devices has been raising awareness for the need to develop alternative high-performance and energy-efficient semiconductor materials. The current project (GRAPHYRIN) aims to synthesize new atomically precise hybrid nanoarchitectures, comprising graphene nanostructures (graphene nanoribbons, GNRs, or nanoporous graphene, NPG) and porphyrins (PORs), with promising properties to fabricate next-generation materials to be used, for example, in gas sensing electronic devices. First, multistage organic synthesis will be carried out to obtain individual or fused precursors of GNRs and PORs (“seeding stages”), which will later allow the construction of partially and fully conjugated hybrid systems. Here, we will synthesize appropriate bianthracence-based reactants (or equivalent derivatives) as molecular building blocks of GNRs and, in parallel, several PORs (tetra- or di-substituted) with appropriate structural features to functionalize GNRs. Alternatively, POR-fused GNRs hybrid precursors will be synthesized via direct functionalization of PORs with GNRs precursors or via synthesis of GNRs precursors bearing aldehyde groups. Several polymerization strategies will be explored (“growing stages”), using in-solution synthesis (ISS) or on-surface synthesis (OSS), namely on Au(111) surfaces. The polymerization reactions will involve, for example, Suzuki or Ullmann coupling. Depending on the properties of the starting GNRs and POR precursors, the final structures may either be one- or two-dimensional (1D GNRs/PORs or 2D NPG/PORs, respectively). Finally, the successfully synthesized hybrid materials will be explored as gas sensors for future electronic devices. It is expected that the outcomes from GRAPHYRIN will allow to go beyond the state-of-the-art and take a step further towards the synthesis of new custom-made graphene/POR nanoarchitectures for ideal gas sensing electronic devices.

Mots clés : graphene nanoribbons nanoporous graphenes porphyrins gas sensing

Participants :
- Université de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 181152.96 €