Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : AutoClean (Horizon 2020, appel 2017, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions
Entité participante : University of Freiburg — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1955666.0 €

Autophagy, a lysosomal degradation pathway in which the cell digests its own components, is an essential biological pathway that promotes organismal health and longevity and helps combat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for research in autophagy. Although autophagy has been extensively studied from yeast to mammals, the molecular events that underlie its induction and progression remain elusive. A highly conserved protein kinase, Atg1, plays a unique and essential role in initiating autophagy, yet despite this pivotal importance it has taken over twenty years for its first downstream target to be discovered. However, whilst our identification of the autophagy related membrane protein Atg9 as the first Atg1 substrate is an important advance, the molecular mechanisms that enable the extensive remodelling of cellular membranes that occurs during autophagy is still completely undefined. A detailed knowledge of the inputs and outputs of the Atg1 kinase will enable us to provide a definitive mechanistic understanding of autophagy. We have devised a novel permeabilized cell assay that reconstitutes the pathway in vitro, allowing us to recapitulate key steps in the autophagic process and thereby determine how the individual steps that lead up to autophagy are controlled. We will use this system to dissect the functional role of Atg1 kinase in autophagosome-vacuole fusion (Objective 1), and to determine the origin of the autophagic membrane and the role of Atg1 in expanding these (Objective 2). To reveal how Atg1/ULK1 kinase is activated in mammalian cells, we will apply the unique and carefully tailored synthetic in vivo approaches that we have recently developed (Objective 3). By focusing on the activation of the Atg1 kinase and the molecular events that it executes, we will be able to explain its central role in regulating the autophagic process and define the mechanistic steps in the pathway.
Projet ERC : CAMERA (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution
Entité participante : University of Bern — Pays : Suisse — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : UB
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 60459.63 €

BACKGROUND Ancient DNA research has recently entered the genomics era. Performing “ancient population genomics” is now technically possible. Utilizing the temporal aspect of this new data, we can address fundamental evolutionary questions such as the amount of selection acting on the genome or the mode and tempo of the colonization of the world. AIMS The overall goal of the proposed research is to (i) generate and analyse data to answer two long standing questions in human evolution: understanding the molecular basis of human adaptation to high altitude and investigating the timing of the Polynesian-South American contact, (ii) develop statistical approaches that combine ancient and modern genetic data to estimate the timing and the intensity of a selective sweep and an admixture event. METHODOLOGY Application: We will collect, date and DNA sequence human remains. Combining the ancient genetic data, 14C dates with existing modern genomic data will allow us to increase the resolution as to the timing of the adaptive and the admixture event, respectively, while generating unique datasets. Theory: We will build on existing methods based on one-locus classical population genetic models to develop tools to analyse whole genome time serial data. RELEVANCE Ecological: The results will address the fundamental question of how much of the human genome is undergoing selection, better characterize one of the textbook examples of adaptation in humans and contribute to our understanding of the peopling of the Americas. Medical: We will gain insights into the fundamental stress physiology experienced at high altitude and therefore into altitude-related illnesses. Methodological: The methods developed in this project will not only benefit the growing field of ancient genomics but also other fields where data is collected in a temporal manner, such as experimental evolution and epidemiology

Mots-clés : ancient dna
Projet ERC : BeyondOpposition (Horizon 2020, appel 2018, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Social Sciences and Humanities
Panel : Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems
Entité participante : Brock University — Pays : Canada — Rôle : Partner
Type d'entité : Autres
Financement ERC de l'entité : 347691.0 €

BEYONDOPPOSITION will be the first large-scale, transnational study to consider the effects of recent Sexual and Gender Rights and Equalities (SGRE) on those who oppose them, by exploring opponents’ experiences of the transformation of everyday spaces. It will work beyond contemporary polarisations, creating new possibilities for social transformation. This cutting-edge research engages with the dramatically altered social and political landscapes in the late 20th and early 21st Century created through the development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans, and women’s rights. Recent reactionary politics highlight the pressing need to understand the position of those who experience these new social orders as a loss. The backlash to SGRE has coalesced into various resistances that are tangibly different to the classic vilification of homosexuality, or those that are anti-woman. Some who oppose SGRE have found themselves the subject of public critique; in the workplace, their jobs threatened, while at home, engagements with schools can cause family conflicts. This is particularly visible in the case studies of Ireland, UK and Canada because of SGRE. A largescale transnational systematic database will be created using low risk (media and organisational discourses; participant observation at oppositional events) and higher risk (online data collection and interviews) methods. Experimenting with social transformation, OPPSEXRIGHTS will work to build bridges between ‘enemies’, including families and communities, through innovative discussion and arts-based workshops. This ambitious project has the potential to create tangible solutions that tackle contemporary societal issues, which are founded in polarisations that are seemingly insurmountable.

Mots-clés : social geography,social justice,lesbian,bisexual,trans,reproductive rights,queer
Projet ERC : BioNote (Horizon 2020, appel 2015, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : University of Gothenburg — Pays : Suède — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 149427.0 €

BIONOTE– A CROWDSCIENCE PLATFORM FOR IDENTIFYING AND LEARNING ABOUT ALL SPECIES ON EARTH MAJOR GOAL: To inspire and empower people to identify, document, explore and protect the world’s biodiversity. BioNote will advance Europe’s commitment to monitor and protect biodiversity, by greatly facilitating access to species identifications worldwide. It will simultaneously increase information on where species occur for research, education, citizens, government and industry. We share this planet with 7 million other species, many of which provide key services and goods for humans. But, the world's biodiversity is threatened today by urbanization and climate change. To protect the world's valuable biodiversity, citizen scientists need a way to easily identify species with their smartphones, and researchers need large datasets of species occurrences to build models. BioNote provides a platform the give both groups the tools they need. We will create the go-to software and data platform for species identification, collaboration and big data analysis, with our smartphone app and data portal. BioNote will provide an increase in knowledge about biodiversity; a massive input of new species observation records; facilitate access to biodiversity data needed for decisions on land use; provide ~20 jobs to university-educated individuals in the EU, and ~100 in tropical regions in the next 4 years; and drastically lower the cost of biodiversity research. BioNote has so far received initial funding from three different organizations who support and believe in BioNote's future, and formed an outstanding core team of scientists and experienced business people.

Mots-clés : biodiversity,database,smartphone app,crowdscience,climate change,species identification,mapping,ecotourism,taxonomy,conservation,biology,bioinformatics,biogeography,species richness
Projet ERC : BRAIN-ACT (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Products and processes engineering
Entité participante : RWTH Aachen University — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : RWTH
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 692412.5 €

BRAIN-ACT aims to develop the next generation of interactive biohybrid devices which will couple biological neuronal networks to organic artificial neurons. For the first time, neurons will interact with the device by active mechanical reshaping which will transduce in the maintenance of the electrical network connection strength (long term potentiation –LTP). This will be achieved by a) processing dynamic electroactive materials b) engineering the neuromorphic abiotic surface with biological synaptic receptors and c) intergrate an in vitro biohybrid synapses array to investigate the interplay at the interface between neuronal cells and their synaptic activity with dynamic electrically-smart materials. BRAIN-ACT will pave the way for a new class of chip-based smart bioelectronic devices which will ‘have a shape of a neuron and act like a neuron’. Over 10 million people are affected by neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s worldwide and show significant loss of functionalities in their daily life. Those are mainly related to faulty connections within the brain which reflects neuronal miscommunication regulated by billions of individual connections among pairs called synapses. The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity is called synaptic plasticity and is regulated through electrical and biomechanical signals exchanged by neurons pairs. In vitro bioelectronic platforms have been devoted to monitor and stimulate those signals across neuronal network areas to characterize electrical activity and connectivity in a passive manner. BRAIN-ACT will revolutionize the study of in vitro neuronal networks through active mechanical reshaping to establish optimal electrical signal exchange among neuronal cells. More broadly, the proposed project will define the fundamental conditions to unleash the potential of neuromorphic devices as implantable materials in to the brain.

Mots-clés : biomaterials,organic neuromorphic devices,neuron material interface,in vitro neuronal networks,bioelectronics
Projet ERC : BRAIN-ACT (Horizon 2020, appel 2020, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Physical Sciences and Engineering
Panel : Products and processes engineering
Entité participante : Forschungszentrum Jülich — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : FZJ
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 1166649.5 €

BRAIN-ACT aims to develop the next generation of interactive biohybrid devices which will couple biological neuronal networks to organic artificial neurons. For the first time, neurons will interact with the device by active mechanical reshaping which will transduce in the maintenance of the electrical network connection strength (long term potentiation –LTP). This will be achieved by a) processing dynamic electroactive materials b) engineering the neuromorphic abiotic surface with biological synaptic receptors and c) intergrate an in vitro biohybrid synapses array to investigate the interplay at the interface between neuronal cells and their synaptic activity with dynamic electrically-smart materials. BRAIN-ACT will pave the way for a new class of chip-based smart bioelectronic devices which will ‘have a shape of a neuron and act like a neuron’. Over 10 million people are affected by neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s worldwide and show significant loss of functionalities in their daily life. Those are mainly related to faulty connections within the brain which reflects neuronal miscommunication regulated by billions of individual connections among pairs called synapses. The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity is called synaptic plasticity and is regulated through electrical and biomechanical signals exchanged by neurons pairs. In vitro bioelectronic platforms have been devoted to monitor and stimulate those signals across neuronal network areas to characterize electrical activity and connectivity in a passive manner. BRAIN-ACT will revolutionize the study of in vitro neuronal networks through active mechanical reshaping to establish optimal electrical signal exchange among neuronal cells. More broadly, the proposed project will define the fundamental conditions to unleash the potential of neuromorphic devices as implantable materials in to the brain.

Mots-clés : biomaterials,organic neuromorphic devices,neuron material interface,in vitro neuronal networks,bioelectronics
Projet ERC : HHMM-Neonates (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Advanced grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy
Entité participante : University of Bern — Pays : Suisse — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : UB
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 2500000.0 €

Background Humans and other animals harbour enormous microbial consortia, especially in the lower intestine. My group has now shown that effects of the microbiota on host are far earlier and more pervasive than previously appreciated, starting even before birth from exposure to defined maternal microbial metabolites. Concept There is a critical window for development of immunity and metabolism in early life. This shapes infectious resistance, lymphocyte repertoire development and the likelihood of later autoimmune or inflammatory disease. We will determine the molecular mechanisms of how the maternal microbiota prepares the newborn for the critical fetal/suckling/early-independent-nutrition transitions. The core hypothesis is that generally pervasive effects of maternal microbial influences, so-far investigated only for innate immunity and metabolism of germ-free offspring, can be defined in terms of a clear portfolio of maternal microbial molecular signatures and epigenetic marks as the newborn develops with its own microbiota. Approach Interdependence of microbial ⇄ host interactions during gestation and lactation will be dissected using reversible colonisation systems under axenic and precisely controlled gnotobiotic conditions. The flow and identity of maternal microbial metabolites driving development and shaping incoming colonisation shall be determined from high-resolution metabolomics and host strain combinations that reveal in vivo signalling and epigenetic marks. Significance The project will reveal mechanisms of the earliest phases of mammalian adaptation to a microbiota, the epigenetic effects of maternal microbial metabolites and the resulting potential protection from metabolic disease or immunopathology. Conversely, there are profound effects of early life adaptation on the dynamics of microbial colonisation and the potential blooms and extinctions for the incoming microbiota: the project will define the different mechanisms involved.

Mots-clés : commensal microbiota,early life,neonate,host microbial mutualism,metabolic and immunopathologic disease models
Projet ERC : QUANTUM (Horizon 2020, appel 2019, Consolidator grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases
Entité participante : Radboud University Nijmegen — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : Partner
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 0.0 €

Background: A major challenge for malaria elimination is its phenomenally efficient spread through sexual stage parasites (gametocytes). Many individuals in endemic settings harbour low but transmissible gametocyte densities. It is currently unclear how gametocyte density translates into the likelihood that an infected mosquito gives rise to secondary infections, who drive malaria transmission at population level and how anti-gametocyte immunity affects gametocyte production and infectivity. I hypothesize that secondary infections can arise from low-density infections but that higher gametocyte densities result in comparatively more infectious mosquitoes and an increased number of secondary infections. I further hypothesize that malaria transmission efficiency and changes therein can only be accurately predicted if anti-gametocyte immunity is thoroughly understood and that the rapid loss of gametocyte immunity during effective control results in increased transmission efficiency. Aims and approach: I will perform the first-ever direct assessment of numbers of malaria parasites ejected by mosquitoes in relation to natural gametocyte densities. Using novel genotyping approaches, longitudinal sampling of infections at unsurpassed resolution and state-of-the art analytical approaches, I will perform the most comprehensive molecular evaluation of malaria transmission in a real community ever performed. Lastly, I will quantify the impact of immune responses that reduce gametocyte density and infectivity by novel immune-profiling approaches and mathematical transmission models. Importance and innovation: this project will profoundly improve understanding of the production and infectivity of gametocytes and the epidemiological impact of human immune responses that influence these processes. The work in different African settings will provide a major leap forward in understanding the human infectious reservoir for malaria and has direct implications for elimination

Mots-clés : malaria,gametocyte,epidemiology,transmission,immuno epidemiology
Projet ERC : TREATCilia (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems
Entité participante : Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : Partner
Acronyme de l'entité : RUNMC
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 589877.5 €

Background: Cilia are hair-like, microtubule-based organelles protruding from most quiescent mammalian cells. They play essential roles in cell signalling (primary cilia) as well as movement of fluid (motile cilia). Although individually rare, cilia dysfunction affects up to 1 in 500 people in Europe, significantly reducing quality of life and lifespan due to dysfunction of multiple organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart, brain, retina, airways and the skeleton. To date, treatment is purely symptomatic. Aim and Approach: TREATCilia aims to decipher novel treatment avenues and improve clinical management for dynein-related ciliopathies. Next-generation sequencing based gene identification for dynein-related ciliopathies (ciliary chondrodysplasias and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, PCD) is employed to dissect the molecular basis and identify new therapeutic targets. Revealing genotype-phenotype mechanisms and their underlying cell signalling defects provides further insight into potential treatment options. Novel innovative curative approaches include high-throughput substance screening in model organisms such as the green algae Chlamydomonas and mammalian cells specially adapted for this purpose. Impact: Identification of novel ciliopathy genes will not only improve the biological understanding, but also reveal new treatment candidates. Furthermore, scrutinizing the molecular mechanisms of disease yields pharmacological entry points. TREATCilia develops a pre-clinical pipeline towards gene and mutation-specific treatments for hereditary conditions resulting from dynein-related ciliary dysfunction.

Mots-clés : pediatrics
Projet ERC : TREATCilia (Horizon 2020, appel 2016, Starting grants)
Domaine scientifique : Life Science
Panel : Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems
Entité participante : Radboud University Nijmegen — Pays : Pays-Bas — Rôle : Partner
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 0.0 €

Background: Cilia are hair-like, microtubule-based organelles protruding from most quiescent mammalian cells. They play essential roles in cell signalling (primary cilia) as well as movement of fluid (motile cilia). Although individually rare, cilia dysfunction affects up to 1 in 500 people in Europe, significantly reducing quality of life and lifespan due to dysfunction of multiple organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart, brain, retina, airways and the skeleton. To date, treatment is purely symptomatic. Aim and Approach: TREATCilia aims to decipher novel treatment avenues and improve clinical management for dynein-related ciliopathies. Next-generation sequencing based gene identification for dynein-related ciliopathies (ciliary chondrodysplasias and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, PCD) is employed to dissect the molecular basis and identify new therapeutic targets. Revealing genotype-phenotype mechanisms and their underlying cell signalling defects provides further insight into potential treatment options. Novel innovative curative approaches include high-throughput substance screening in model organisms such as the green algae Chlamydomonas and mammalian cells specially adapted for this purpose. Impact: Identification of novel ciliopathy genes will not only improve the biological understanding, but also reveal new treatment candidates. Furthermore, scrutinizing the molecular mechanisms of disease yields pharmacological entry points. TREATCilia develops a pre-clinical pipeline towards gene and mutation-specific treatments for hereditary conditions resulting from dynein-related ciliary dysfunction.

Mots-clés : pediatrics