Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : IRIS (Horizon 2020, appel 2014, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Systems and communication engineering
Entité participante : University of Glasgow — Pays : Royaume-Uni — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1592955.0 €

Infrared sensing technology has a central role to play in addressing 21st century global challenges in healthcare, security and environmental sensing. Promising new applications hinge on the ability to detect individual quanta of light: single photons. At infrared wavelengths this is a formidable task due to the low photon energy, and commercial-off-the-shelf technologies fall far short of the required performance. IRIS will engineer revolutionary photon counting infrared imaging and sensing solutions, with unprecedented spectral range, efficiency, timing resolution and low noise. Using state-of-the-art materials and nanofabrication techniques, novel superconducting detector technology will be scaled up from single pixels to large area photon counting arrays. Efficient readout and optical coupling solutions will be developed and implemented. IRIS will exploit space age cryogenic technology to create compact and mobile detector systems. IRIS will deploy these systems for the first time in revolutionary infrared imaging and sensing applications: dosimetry for laser based cancer treatment, atmospheric remote sensing of greenhouse gases and real-time distributed fibre sensing for geothermal energy.

Mots-clés : infrared detector,remote sensing,superconducting detector,superconducting device,photon counting,single photon detection
Projet ERC : RNAiNHERITANCE (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems
Entité participante : Institut Pasteur — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1997150.0 €

Inherited information is transmitted to progeny primarily via the genome through the gametes. In recent years, epigenetic inheritance has been demonstrated in several organisms, including animals. Yet, the molecules and mechanisms responsible for this type of inheritance are incompletely understood. Histone modifications, DNA methylation, and small RNAs have been proposed to participate in epigenetic inheritance. Indeed, we recently showed how the inheritance of a specific type of small RNA impairs animals’ fertility. Diverse phenotypes, such as immune responses and learned behaviour, were also recently found to be controlled by heritable small RNAs. Despite these important roles for small RNAs in trait inheritance, their mechanism of action and how they are transmitted from tissues and gametes to the next generation remain unknown. The overall objective of this proposal is to discover novel factors and mechanisms that underlie epigenetic inheritance in animals. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an ideal model system to study epigenetic inheritance, because of its short life cycle and the ability to minimize the effect of genetic variations. We will achieve our objective by applying genetic, genomic and biochemical tools to C. elegans, coupled with sophisticated sorting strategies developed in our laboratory. These approaches uniquely allow us to comprehensively evaluate small RNA inheritance in specific stages of development, tissues and organelles. Specifically, we will 1) elucidate how small RNAs and histone modifications regulate the inheritance of developmental programs, 2) decipher the mechanisms of small antisense RNA biogenesis and inheritance, and 3) discover the principles of soma-to-germline RNA transfer and its biological functions. Achieving our objective could radically change concepts of inheritance, and transform our understanding of the molecular pathways and mechanisms that govern epigenetic inheritance in animals.

Mots-clés : epigenetic inheritance,small rnas,transgenerational epigenetic inheritance,rnai,gene regulation
Projet ERC : EYEGET (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases
Entité participante : University of Naples Federico II — Pays : Italie — Rôle : Partner
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 135249.5 €

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a major cause of blindness worldwide. IRD patients witness inexorable progressive vision loss as no therapy is currently available. In the last decade my group has significantly contributed to a change of this scenario by developing efficient adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for retinal gene therapy that are safe and effective in humans. The objective of EYEGET (EYE GEne Therapy) is to overcome some of the current major limitations in the field of retinal gene therapy to expand initial therapeutic successes to a larger number of IRDs. To achieve this, we propose to use four parallel, highly innovative and complementary approaches: i. expansion of the limited AAV cargo capacity by a novel methodology based on co-administration of multiple AAVs that reassemble in target retinal cells and reconstitute large genes; ii. targeting of frequent dominant gain-of-function mutations that cause RP using state-of-the-art AAV-mediated genome editing technologies; iii. induction of retinal cells clearance of toxic IRD products by AAV-mediated activation of autophagy and lysosomal function; iv. development of methodologies to directly convert fibroblasts to photoreceptors that can be transplanted in retinas from IRD patients with advanced PR loss and for whom in vivo gene therapy is no longer an option. We will use a combination of in vitro and in vivo state-of-the-art technologies including novel AAV vector design, high content screening of drugs that enhance AAV transduction, genome editing, and advanced in vivo retinal phenotyping to obtain proof-of-concept for each of these therapeutic strategies. The results from this study may impact the quality of life of millions of people worldwide by providing a cure based on gene and/or cell therapy for a large group of IRDs.

Mots-clés : retina,inherited retinal degenerations
Projet ERC : EYEGET (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases
Entité participante : Telethon Foundation — Pays : Italie — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2314314.5 €

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a major cause of blindness worldwide. IRD patients witness inexorable progressive vision loss as no therapy is currently available. In the last decade my group has significantly contributed to a change of this scenario by developing efficient adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for retinal gene therapy that are safe and effective in humans. The objective of EYEGET (EYE GEne Therapy) is to overcome some of the current major limitations in the field of retinal gene therapy to expand initial therapeutic successes to a larger number of IRDs. To achieve this, we propose to use four parallel, highly innovative and complementary approaches: i. expansion of the limited AAV cargo capacity by a novel methodology based on co-administration of multiple AAVs that reassemble in target retinal cells and reconstitute large genes; ii. targeting of frequent dominant gain-of-function mutations that cause RP using state-of-the-art AAV-mediated genome editing technologies; iii. induction of retinal cells clearance of toxic IRD products by AAV-mediated activation of autophagy and lysosomal function; iv. development of methodologies to directly convert fibroblasts to photoreceptors that can be transplanted in retinas from IRD patients with advanced PR loss and for whom in vivo gene therapy is no longer an option. We will use a combination of in vitro and in vivo state-of-the-art technologies including novel AAV vector design, high content screening of drugs that enhance AAV transduction, genome editing, and advanced in vivo retinal phenotyping to obtain proof-of-concept for each of these therapeutic strategies. The results from this study may impact the quality of life of millions of people worldwide by providing a cure based on gene and/or cell therapy for a large group of IRDs.

Mots-clés : retina,inherited retinal degenerations
Projet ERC : miRCaP (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico — Pays : Italie — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : IRCCS
Type d'entité : Organismes privés (hors enseignement)
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Innovative nanoparticle formulation for a miR-133 based treatment of cardiac hypertrophy Cardiovascular diseases (CDs) are growing problems worldwide, affecting as much as 1% of the population. The causes include ischemic, toxic, genetic, post-inflammatory and structural defects; often multiple etiologies are present within an individual patient germane to the contraction failing, resulting in a mortality of ca. 50% within 5 years from diagnosis. Unexpected roles have been unveiled for microRNAs, important key-players in such pathogenesis, able to regulate levels of genes that govern cell remodeling. In line with this, development of microRNA-based drugs aimed at preventing stress-induced dysregulations of microRNA levels has attracted remarkable attention as potential candidates for therapeutic applications. Particular attention is paid to the miR-133, a muscle-specific microRNA, which has been found inversely related to pathological cardiac hypertrophy. However, a key challenge of microRNA-based drugs relies on delivery efficiency, toxicity and specificity. Here, we propose to generate innovative and effective therapeutic strategies based on the development of novel biocompatible and bioresorbable calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP-NP) for carrying miR-133 selectively to the heart. Our aim is to functionalize CaP-NPs for a selective delivery of the therapeutic miR133 to the pathological heart. The development of a novel approach based on CaP-NPs might be an efficient cardiac drug-delivery system for a specific release of miR-133. The successful outcome of this proposal will provide a relevant preclinical proof-of-concept necessary for 1) the development of additional Intellectual Properties, 2) the translation into a commercial strategy and business case, and 3) the identification of strategic partners and venture capitalist.

Mots-clés : microrna,nanotherapy,cardiovascular diseases,cardiac hypertrophy
Projet ERC : SolutionSleep (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System
Entité participante : Cardiff University — Pays : Royaume-Uni — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1999195.0 €

Innovative problem solving is critical for all spheres of organised endeavour, including science and industry, and thus forms the cornerstone of a successful society. Such creative thinking often requires suppression of preconceptions and restructuring of existing knowledge. Pioneering work has shown that sleep facilitates problem solving, but exactly how, and which sleep characteristics are important, remain to be determined. We know that recent experiences are replayed in sleep, and that in Slow Wave Sleep (SWS) this replay integrates new knowledge with old. The role of such replay in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, a stage which is strongly linked to creativity, is unknown. Here, I propose a model which combines physiology, behavioural studies, and computational modelling to make testable predictions about the complimentary contributions of memory replay in REM and SWS to problem solving. I will test this model through explicit manipulation of memory replay in sleep. I will use a very recently developed technique to explicitly trigger memory replay, a pioneering method for quantifying this replay, and cutting-edge approaches for manipulation of neural oscillations during sleep. I expect two key results: first, I will uncover the principles of how memory replay in REM and SWS combines with specific neural oscillations to promote both long-term memory and creative problem solving. This will involve development of a computational model which will enable optimised experimental design, paving the way for efficient future investigation of how to enhance innovation through manipulation of sleep. Second, I will develop methods for boosting key sleep processes in a selective, targeted manner. Immediate consequences will include a translational project to facilitate everyday problem solving. My findings will revolutionist the understanding of sleep and how it impacts upon some of our most important cognitive abilities—memory and problem solving.

Mots-clés : sleep,memory,creativity,problem solving
Projet ERC : INSPIRE (Horizon 2020, appel 2018, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions
Entité participante : University of Geneva — Pays : Suisse — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UNIGE
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1781251.0 €

Inositol pyrophosphates (PP-InsPs) are soluble signaling molecules known to play diverse roles in fungal and animal cell signaling. The metabolism of PP-InsPs in plants however is poorly understood and many signaling pathways controlled by PP-InsPs remain to be discovered. Funded by an ERC starting grant, we have previously identified protein sensor domains for PP-InsPs, which allow PP-InsPs to act as central regulators of phosphate homeostasis in all eukaryotes. Genetic disruption of PP-InsP synthesis results in dramatic phenotypes in the model plant Arabidopsis, which however cannot be rationalized by defects in phosphate signaling only. Based on these physiological observations, we generated a system-wide Arabidopsis PP-InsP interactome, using an affinity-matrix absorbed non-hydrolyzable PP-InsP analog. Surprisingly, hundreds of novel candidates from different protein families were identified in this screen, now enabling us to study PP-InsP catabolism and a multitude of PP-InsP-mediated signaling processes. Here, I propose to combine quantitative biochemistry and structural biology with cell biology and genome editing to dissect plant PP-InsP signaling networks at the physiological level and in mechanistic detail. Specifically, we will define the roles for PP-InsPs in plant light sensing and signaling, in flowering time regulation and in plant immune responses. Our ultimate goal will be to investigate the cross-talk between different PP-InsP-controlled signaling pathways and to define central signaling hubs. I envision that the work outlined in this proposal will yield a mechanistically validated system’s-level view of PP-InsP signal transduction in plants, which may allow us to better understand how plants develop and interact with their environment, and that may enable us to improve crop performance in the future.

Mots-clés : inositol pyrophosphate metabolism,inositol pyrophosphate signal transduction,protein kinases,phosphatases,plant light signal transduction,plant flowering time regulation,genetics in arabidopsis
Projet ERC : SURFLINK (Horizon 2020, appel 2014, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Physical and analytical chemical sciences
Entité participante : University of Erlangen-Nuremberg — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : FAU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1499994.0 €

Inspired by the possibility to create artificial, three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks, the overall aim of this project is to construct novel two-dimensional (2D), covalently-linked, organic networks in a bottom-up approach on insulating surfaces. 2D materials have unique properties suitable for many scientific and technological applications including nano-electronic devices and sensors. On-surface synthesis of covalent structures is mainly limited to metal surfaces, as controlled growth procedures of molecules on insulators are often hindered by the weak, unspecific interaction with the substrate. We will establish suitable concepts for the covalent linking of molecules on insulators by balancing the molecule-molecule and molecule-surface interactions. That will greatly advance the atomic-scale understanding of molecular structures on insulators. Specially designed molecular building blocks doped with heteroatoms will be used to create functional 2D networks with tunable electronic properties and nanometer-sized pores. Novel concepts will be developed to achieve high quality structures with long-range order; one of the great challenges in all covalently-linked structures. The SURFLINK project uses a surface science approach in ultra-high vacuum to understand the fundamental mechanisms and properties of covalently-linked networks at the atomic level. The covalent networks will be studied by high-resolution scanning probe microscopy and spectroscopy at the atomic-scale. We will determine the electronic properties of the novel nano-porous networks that can be tailored by their geometry. The functionalized pores included in the network will be studied with respect to their size and their prospects to adsorb guest molecules. The rational design of the networks proposed in the SURFLINK project has great potential for materials research and will ultimately result in the development of new materials with adjustable electronic properties.
Projet ERC : EUROBORD (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems
Entité participante : Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology — Pays : Suisse — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : ETH Zurich
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2477206.0 €

Integration crises and geopolitical shifts have put the borders of the European Union (EU) in the focus of attention and contestation. Current developments highlight how strongly European integration is affected by outside events and cross-border transactions. Yet theories of European integration focus almost exclusively on the internal boundaries between the member states. EUROBORD therefore develops and tests a novel ‘bordering theory’ aiming to explain how external boundary developments affect the trajectory of integration. The bordering theory proposes an account of how ‘bordering’ – the making and configuration of the EU’s boundaries – affects ‘ordering’: the structure of politics and institutions in the EU. Specifically, it analyses how ‘debordering’ (the expansion, opening and incongruence of the EU’s boundaries) in the post-Cold War period has generated integration problems and political conflicts, which have triggered a process of ‘rebordering’ (retrenchment or closure) in turn. EUROBORD examines the conditions and mechanisms that lead to alternative configurations of the EU’s boundaries. EUROBORD introduces innovative conceptual frameworks, automated data collection techniques and new datasets to map the changing configuration of EU borders and study their effects on (i) economic, cultural, political and military transactions across these boundaries, (ii) member state political performance, (iii) European party positions and conflict, and (iv) boundary policies and the trajectory of European integration. This comprehensive data allows EUROBORD to conduct the first systematic empirical study of the effects of external bordering in European integration, using a mix of panel analyses and case studies. EUROBORD will thereby generate a more complete and adequate understanding of the dynamics of European integration and provide insights on the political causes and effects of border design.

Mots-clés : european integration,european union,borders,institutions
Projet ERC : ProcessCitizenship (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : The Social World and Its Diversity
Entité participante : University of Twente — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : Partner
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 694091.25 €

Intensifying migration waves are changing EU policies―with Hotspots being set up in frontline countries―but also the way knowledge about migrants, institutions and territory is created. Information systems are key enablers of this knowledge. They materialize legislative, political, administrative dynamics in which citizenship, state and territory are co-produced. ProcessingCitizenship aims to establish information systems as “interfaces” that make visible changes in the modern nation state. It aims to develop a history of the present that accounts for contemporary materially-embedded practices of registration of migrants at Hotspots as activities of governance formation. It addresses three research questions: How are migrants’ identities shaped in information systems-mediated registration practices, and how do migrants adapt or resist it? How are Member States and Europe re-enacted by data infrastructures for migration processing? How is territory reshaped? The project combines globalization and border studies and surveillance studies in IT and migration with a materialist performative approach derived from science and technology studies and media geography. It analyses information systems, registration practices, data architectures and territorial patterns. Data will be collected via qualitative (script analysis, interviews, participant observation, discourse analysis) and computational (analysis of ontologies and algorithms, new method for web services tracking) techniques. The research is ground-breaking in three ways: 1) by focusing on alienage and on the technicalities of data infrastructures, it sets the basis for detecting incipient changes in the order of authority; 2)it develops brand new software methods for web services analysis that is expected to set a new promising field of techno-sociological research; 3)by combining contiguous disciplines rarely interacting, it amplifies their ability to understand the co-production of technology, society, knowledge.

Mots-clés : information systems,information infrastructures,data infrastructures,nation state,citizenship,territory,migration,alienage,performativity,materiality,topological principles