Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : U-BiomarCARE (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : University Medical Center Utrecht — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UMC
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

General practitioners and cardiologists are faced every day with challenging decisions on whom to refer for diagnostics of coronary artery disease (CAD) as sign and symptoms of cardiac ischemia require immediate action. Diagnosis of CAD is key as ischemic heart disease accounts for 45% of deaths in females and 39% in males in the European Union. Yet, diagnosis of CAD in women is regularly delayed and often unrecognized. As the main pathology underlying CAD, it is essential to understand atherosclerotic plaque biology. In recent years, my research group and others have identified clear sex differences in the atherosclerotic plaque morphology and its (epi)genetic regulation. One consequence is that female plaques are more difficult to detect than male plaques, especially those which cause symptoms. As part of the ERC UCARE project, we uncovered a plaque-specific epigenetic signal in cell-free DNA from plasma of women with CAD. This signal consisted of hypomethylated regions specific for plaques that can be detected in plasma cell-free DNA. Our methods thus far have been focused on whole genome sequencing analyses. Yet, for studying the predictive value of these regions in large cohorts of patients with CAD, as well as exploring commercial potential, we need to develop a more specific methodology. Our aim in this current U-BiomarCARE project is to investigate if the methylation status of plaque-specific regions can be detected in plasma with a PCR-based method. Once we prove that this methodology is reproducible and comparable to whole genome DNA methylation sequencing, we can perform large biomarker studies in both women and men suspected of heart disease and explore potential commercialization of plaque-specific cell-free DNA methylation profiles to accurately detect CAD. This will be a game changer for the healthcare sector as it will allow a specific and timely detection of dangerous atherosclerotic plaques both in men and women.
Projet ERC : SENSIBLIOTICS (Horizon Europe, appel 2025, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de Tel Aviv — Pays : Israël — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TAU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

The active spread of antibiotic resistance in laboratories and industry often occurs through the use of plasmids, which transfer resistance genes between bacteria. To mitigate this, strategies such as non-antibiotic selection methods, stringent containment protocols, and plasmid designs that minimize horizontal gene transfer have been proposed. However, these strategies often involve complex methodologies and require highly trained personnel. Recently, our ERC Consolidator results opened the path for a novel approach to develop antibiotic resistance markers for bacterial selection based on silencing naturally occurring bacterial genes without introducing new resistance elements. Unlike most resistance markers, it lacks a mechanism for degrading antibiotics. Therefore, a low concentration of antibiotics is sufficient to kill bacteria harboring it, minimizing the risk of transferring resistance genes to pathogens. To generate this easy-to-use marker, we will use the CRISPR-Cas system to randomly silence or down-regulate specific genes, including essential ones. We will identify guides that down-regulate genes associated with antibiotic sensitivity and then use these guides along with a Cas-silencer to confer antibiotic resistance. This proof-of-concept will validate the marker's effectiveness across bacterial strains for laboratory and industrial applications, clarify intellectual property positions, and establish industrial collaborations. With a team led by Prof. Qimron, an expert in bacterial defense systems, we anticipate a transformative impact on bacterial selection and maintenance processes. This novel marker has potential applications in medical research, biotechnology, microbiome manipulation, and industrial production. Its deployment will significantly reduce costs associated with antibiotic resistance management and treatment, contributing to a sustainable approach to tackling antibiotic resistance.
Projet ERC : IntraopRealtimeTumor (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de Tel Aviv — Pays : Israël — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TAU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Brain tumors remain one of the most incurable illnesses we know; patients have poor prognosis and less than a decade of life expectancy. The oncologist’s toolkit is rather limited as chemotherapy agents have limited access to the brain due to the blood brain barrier selective permeability and radiotherapy results in extensive damage to tissue well beyond the targeted area; leaving surgical removal of the tumor as the most effective approach. It has now become clear that the completeness of the surgical removal of the tumor is the most important factor determining recurrency of the illness. As such, tools that enable neurosurgeons to effectively remove the tumor are of fundamental importance in the surgical theater. Recent advances in intraoperative fluorescent labeling of common brain tumors has proven to dramatically improve surgical outcome. Unfortunately, no such labeling or intraoperative aid exists for the highly infiltrative low-grade glioma (LGG), making it the deadliest type. This PoC project aims to tackle this urgent unmet need and develop an intraoperative, real-time imaging and tissue classification tool for precise on-site identification of LGG tissue. The core technology emanates from the multiphoton ultrafast volumetric imaging we developed (now able to run in real-time) to study the link between neuronal activity and blood flow. Here we harness this unique technology and extended it to perform real-time label-free multimodal acquisition and image processing using the latest deep-learning tools. Our tool will provide surgeons with the ability to discern, while operating, healthy vs tumor tissue. Together with neurosurgeons, a technological hardware partner and an expert in artificial intelligence, we are positioned to generate the first-of-its kind prototype and to seek its commercialization. Such a tool is expected to become a game changer in brain and other tumor surgeries, improving the life expectancy and quality of many patients and families.
Projet ERC : PATHO-LEGO (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université Grenoble Alpes — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UGA
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Despite the large therapeutic arsenal available to fight bacterial infections, the development of new anti-infectious strategies is a major public health concern. Pathogens have indeed developed a variety of Multi Drug Resistance mechanisms to escape destruction. To circuvment these problems, a few promising alternatives have been proposed. A first one focuses on the bacterial adhesion step to the host cells which involves multivalent interactions between the glycocalix and bacterial adhesins. Molecular constructs displaying clusters of carbohydrates have been shown to efficiently compete with these complex recognition processes, thus having the potential to prevent this key step of the bacterial infection. The recruitment of natural antibodies (NAbs) present in the human bloodsteam against biological targets to stimulate their destruction by the immune system is another alternative to fight pathogens. This approach is based on the utilization of bimodal molecules (namely ARGs, Antibody Recruiting Glycodendrimers) which are composed of two recognition domains, one for NAbs and one for receptors expressed by the pathogen. The potential of this "recruiting strategy" was demonstrated recently in the PI's team in the context of cancers where NAbs have been efficiently redirected against tumors (ERC CoG LEGO and ERC PoC THERA-LEGO). For the first time, PATHO-LEGO will take advantage of these two "antiadhesive" and "recruitment" strategies simultaneously to fight resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We aim at developing hybrid ARGs that will block extracellular process that P. aeruginosa uses to infect host cells on the one hand, and that will redirect NAbs against the bacteria to induce their immune-mediated clearance on the other hand. With this unprecedented approach, we will be able to both prevent infection and kill the targeted resistant bacteria to optimize the antibacterial effect.
Projet ERC : tRNAHigh (Horizon Europe, appel 2024, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université Radboud de Nimègue — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common inherited neuromuscular disease, characterized by selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness and wasting, and sensory dysfunction. Currently, no effective, FDA/EMA-approved therapies are available for CMT, necessitating life-long symptomatic treatment. We recently identified the molecular mechanism underlying CMT caused by mutations in glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS). We showed that transgenic overexpression of the glycyl-transfer RNA (tRNA-Gly) fully rescues peripheral neuropathy in two CMT-GlyRS mouse models. Furthermore, we present preliminary data showing that viral vector-mediated gene transfer of tRNA-Gly administered to newborn, presymptomatic CMT-GlyRS mice fully rescues their peripheral neuropathy phenotypes. In this project we will optimize tRNA-Gly gene therapy, including identification of the optimal viral vector, administration route, and dose to target adult motor and sensory neurons. Next to that, the project will focus on the development of a business roadmap for XtRNA Bio, the spin-out company that I recently co- founded with NLC Health Ventures. XtRNA Bio intends to raise significant pre-seed funding and recruit presonnel, including an experienced CEO who will secure additional funds for continued preclinical and clinical development of tRNA-Gly gene therapy. Finally, once identified, we will patent the optimal gene therapy construct. In all, this proposal constitutes a crucial step towards a first effective therapy for CMT-GlyRS and CMT in general.
Projet ERC : OVCure (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Institut Weizmann — Pays : Israël — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : WIS
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a malignant tumor with poor prognosis and limited treatment options, responsible for 4.4% of cancer-related mortality in women. There is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches for OC. Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) represent one of the most promising therapeutic approaches, but their efficacy has been hindered by identification of suitable tumor-associated antigens. For example, ADCs targeting MUC16, the best diagnostic marker for OC, have thus far failed in clinical trials due to shedding of MUC16 from the tumor. Our breakthrough lies in the identification and characterization of a MUC16-specific autoantibody clone – 2B5, which specifically targets the non-shed and highly conserved epitope of MUC16 that stays associated with the tumor. This consequently, dramatically increases the efficacy of the cytotoxic payload delivery to the tumor, and overcomes limitations of similar ADCs that have failed in the past. By directly and selectively targeting MUC16 on OC, while sparing healthy tissues, our ADC has the potential to revolutionize OC therapy by finally offering a precise and effective ADC cancer treatment. Thus, for this PoC, we aim to demonstrate the effectivity of our 2B5-based ADC, as a leading candidate for OC therapy in humans. In order to increase its therapeutic and commercial potential, the 2B5-based ADC will be developed further to identify the most suitable payload, as well as to validate its tumor killing efficacy in pre-clinical animal models, which will be developed in frame of this project. By the end of this PoC, we aim to be ready to develop our 2B5-ADC to human grade towards phase 1 clinical trials. Simultaneously, we will define the innovation commercial feasibility and business model and will validate the business opportunities and go-to-market strategies with relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, we have already initiated the process of patenting our innovation and aim to finalize it during the PoC.
Projet ERC : ENCANT (Horizon Europe, appel 2024, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : CERCA Institution — Pays : Espagne — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : CERCA;I-CERCA
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 20000.0 €

Current cancer research efforts are focused on obtaining targeted therapies, with greater precision, that lead to improved patient survival, with fewer adverse effects to ensure a better quality of life. ENCANT (nanoengineered particles for ENhanced CANcer radioTherapy) will contribute to this aim by developing new therapeutic agents based on biocompatible nanoparticles bearing high atomic number (Z) elements, which will enhance external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) effect on cancer tissue. This will allow the use of a lower radiation dose, consequently lowering adverse effects related to radiotherapy lack of specificity.  The physicochemical properties of the NPs can be rationally designed according to different needs. NPs will be functionalized to increase their blood circulation time and facilitate their accumulation in the tumoural tissue. NPs will be tested in vivo to describe toxicity ranges, targeting efficiency and their therapeutic effect with external beam radiotherapy using in vivo cancer models.  ENCANT will initially focus on high-Z NPs for prostate cancer (PC). Nevertheless, their adaptability should allow to use them for other tumour types, thus expanding their range of application. ENCANT aims to improve and expand oncology treatment options available to cancer patients thus providing them a more personalized treatment.

Mots-clés : nanoparticles biomedicine prostate cancer external beam radiation therapy ebrt radioenhancers
Projet ERC : INPHOSIS (Horizon Europe, appel 2024, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Institut de micro-électronique et composants — Pays : Belgique — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : IMEC
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

High-throughput next-generation sequencing has revolutionized healthcare. Nevertheless, widespread adoption remains hindered by a trade-off between clinically relevant turnaround times and cost-effectiveness. This trade-off arises from the limitations of sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) chemistry and traditional optical readout architectures. To address this, integrated parallel readout on a CMOS imager is the preferred technology – as opposed to free space microscope scanners. However, size and number of pixels pose a critical limit on throughput. A novel technology developed in the IROCSIM ERC StG presents a unique solution by enabling sub-pixel resolution readout, leading to orders of magnitude increase in read density per pixel—unlocking the 1 billion-plus reads range. It monolithically integrates an imager with filters and photonic-integrated-circuit-generated, IP protected, structured illumination patterns. This project aims to demonstrate the commercial and technical potential of this technology for sequencing applications. This innovation could be a fundamental breakthrough in a longstanding bottleneck in sequencing products.
Projet ERC : Diamond Sense (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : University Medical Center Groningen — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UMCG
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR or ESR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used. However, magnetic resonance signals are low in energy and thus difficult to detect. These techniques are expensive and typically only offer millimeter down to micrometer resolution. Diamond magnetometry potentially offers a solution. The technique is based on a quantum effect and allows even the detection of single electron spins. While the technique is already used for a few years in physics, during my ERC project this powerful tool was utilised for the first time to measure metabolic activity in living cells. The aim of this project is to explore the commercial potential of these results and - if it is deemed feasible - found a start-up company for exploitation. As a first application we will investigate free radical generation. These molecules play a key role in many biological processes including cell communication, immune responses or ageing. Additionally, they are an indicator for stress and thus play a role in many diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases or viral and bacterial infections. Despite their relevance and the fact that free radical generation is often an early sign of disease, they are rarely used as biomarkers since they are notoriously difficult to measure. In this project we will build a prototype (to be patented) that can be used for demonstrations to customers. This will be done on close collaboration with a user committee in order to meet the customer expectations. To demonstrate the usefulness to customers for diagnosis we will conduct test measurements . Further, we will assess whether a business model based on a product or based on services or a hybrid business model containing both is most promising.
Projet ERC : PepZoPower (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de Tel Aviv — Pays : Israël — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : TAU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 115000.0 €

Over the past decades, implantable biomedical systems have greatly advanced, offering previously unavailable therapeutic options for millions of patients worldwide. Such applications most commonly utilize conventional lithium-ion batteries as the energy source. However, while readily providing adequate energetic performance, lithium-ion batteries are inflexible, rigid, may contain toxic substances, and require periodic replacement surgeries due to their limited capacity, posing both health risks and an economical burden. Here, aiming to address these issues, we will develop PepZoPower, a biocompatible energy harvesting, and storage device designed for biomedical applications. Energy harvesting will be facilitated by highly-efficient piezoelectric peptide-based assemblies allowing to harvest mechanical energy from the human body and convert it into electric energy. The harvested mechanical energy will be stored by a biocompatible peptide-based supercapacitor, thus giving rise to an autonomous, miniaturized, controllable, and biocompatible power device with adequate performance and mechanical properties. This ambitious goal will be achieved by utilizing our patent-protected piezoelectric and energy storage peptide-based supramolecular structures, to be incorporated into an integrated device. The performance of each layer will be optimized and the integrated PepZoPower device will be validated to verify efficient incorporation of the two components. We envision the breakthrough PepZoPower technology to serve as the basis for the next leap toward biocompatible, soft, miniaturized, light-weight and morphologically-controllable implantable devices. This will pave the way towards post-project commercial exploitation of the PepZoPower system, which will be further developed by a spin-off company to be integrated into implantable devices ranging from cardiac defibrillators to spinal cords stimulators, opening a huge market opportunity for this radically new technology.
Projet ERC : EUFACETS (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de Turin — Pays : Italie — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 85000.0 €

EUFACETS aims at maximising the value of the ERC Consolidator Project FACETS by developing a family-oriented social network app based on visage. Some faces were excluded from the forced digitalization of all faces due to the increasing digitalisation of our lives, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic: those of the elders. The pandemic was just underlining an already existing issue: face-based social networks have been designed by young people for young people. They focus on connecting people who are distant in space but fail to connect people who are distant in time. They help individuals treasure and share their own memories, those attached to digital pictures and selfies, yet they are oblivious of memories that are enshrined in pre-digital photographs. EUFACETS aims to alleviate this issue by developing an app establishing a new family-oriented social network based on visage. Through the app, members of extended families will be able to digitalize analogic pictures, send it in this digital form to the elder, who will then be able to tell a story about the picture; the story will be made available to the family, which will be able to listen to it and to integrate it with secondary narratives; finally, through facial recognition and artificial intelligence, the app will suggest automatic identification of visages photographed in subsequent pictures and facilitate the reconstruction of the narrative. The solution will grow around the elders, with the only purpose of reconnecting them with their distant relatives, friends, and acquaintances, as well as with the pre-digital past of their visage. This is done without any logics of commodification and control, standardization and commercial exploitation underlying existing face-based digital platforms.
Projet ERC : PathsToDormancy (Horizon Europe, appel 2024, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Société Max-Planck pour le développement des sciences — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : Société Max Planck
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

The survival and propagation of species fundamentally depend on the precise regulation of cellular growth and dormancy. This balance is crucial across various biological processes including reproduction, regeneration, and repair, where mechanisms such as embryonic diapause allow organisms to endure adverse conditions by temporarily halting development. During this dormant state, embryonic cells undergo significant rewiring of their transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic pathways, preserving their stem cell characteristics and enabling reactivation under more favorable conditions. Despite its essential role, dormancy presents challenges in cancer treatment. Cancer cells exploit conserved dormancy pathways to evade therapies, resulting in drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells that can survive treatment, potentially leading to relapse with more aggressive and metastatic tumors. This phenomenon undermines efforts to combat cancer, as detecting and targeting dormant cancer cells remains a significant obstacle. Here we will leverage our in vitro dormancy culture systems identify regulators of cancer dormancy with embryonic origin.