Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Assembly and host interactions of influenza virus polymerase in the living cell (INVIVOPOL)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2010-01-01
End date: 2011-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150103.51
EU funding (EUR): 150103.51
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Currently circulating highly pathogenic avian influenza virus strains (H5N1) could cause a devastating pandemic if they became transmissible between humans. Thus understanding of the mechanisms whereby influenza virus adapts from avian to mammalian hosts is of great significance. Recent studies have highlighted the importance for transmissibility of mutations in the viral polymerase - a trimeric complex possessing activities essential for transcription and replication of the viral RNA. The mechanism of polymerase assembly and the host factors involved are not clear yet, nor are the molecular functions affected by the mutations related to avian-to-mammal transmission. To clarify these and to complement the extensive studies of atomic resolution structure of the polymerase and its host-specific variants performed in the Host laboratory, we propose to investigate in living cells the intracellular trafficking, assembly and interactions with host cell factors of the human and avian variants of the polymerase subunits. State-of-the-art two-colour fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) and confocal microscopy techniques will be used to monitor these phenomena in a non-invasive way. The project is inter-disciplinary as it combines advanced cell biophysics with structural and molecular biology in order to address a very topical issue in virology. The results will contribute to understanding of the relationships between the atomic structure of influenza virus polymerase and its function in the infected cell. New insight into adaptation of the influenza virus replication machinery to mammalian hosts can be used to elaborate new strategies for development of anti-viral compounds targeting polymerase or its interactions with host cell factors. Pursuing this multidisciplinary project in a prestigious international environment and learning state-of-the-art techniques will provide the applicant an excellent training for a future independent research position

Keywords: protein-protein interaction,influenza virus,assembly,nuclear import,rna-dependent rna polymerase,fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy
The spatial patterns of disruption of plant -animal interactions within a population dynamic approach (DISLOOP)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-04-01
End date: 2011-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 153965.98
EU funding (EUR): 153965.98
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The decline or extinction of native species involved in biotic interactions (i.e., the disruption of interactions) can cause significant changes in ecosystem structure and/or functioning. Since the distribution, population dynamics and evolution of many species depend on species inter-relationships, changes (or loss) of such interactions can lead to disproportionately large, irreversible, and often negative alterations of ecosystem processes. Despite short-term consequences of the disruption of interactions, the current knowledge about its medium and long-term costs are limited, not only for the species regeneration but also for the functioning of the whole ecosystem. We can observe the causes and the final consequences of a disruption in a given plant-animal interaction, but the ecological and demographic processes that underlie such patterns remain unknown. This project will take a multidisciplinary approach and use recent modelling techniques (Individual based modelling and spatial-explicit population models) to study the direct and indirect consequences of a mutualism disruption within a comprehensive way including the spatial pattern generated by seed disperser to the plant spatial pattern and demographic consequences produced by such plant pattern. The methodological innovation of this project is the integration of previously collected data into two interacting Spatial-Explicit Population Models which describe an explicit plant-animal interaction. This type of simulation model allows for taking a first principle approach in which natural history and field observations are used to deduce the causal relationships among components of the natural systems and the resulting system dynamics.

Keywords: plant ecology,anthropogenic impact on ecosystems,habitat and species restoration and rehabilitation,causes and mechanisms of loss,computational biology,modelling (environmental risks)
High-Resolution Structure Determination of the Nuclear Pore Complex with Cryo-Electron Tomography (NUCLEAR PORE COMPLEX)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IIF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-03-02
End date: 2011-03-01
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 170418.35
EU funding (EUR): 170418.35
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In eukaryotes, nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are large assemblies that selectively transport cargoes across the nuclear envelope. Determination of the architecture of the NPC in molecular detail is central to understanding nuclear transport. Structural analysis of the NPC is a major challenge given its sheer size and its dynamic nature. Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has successfully been used to elucidate the overall architecture of the NPC, but substantial improvements in resolution are needed to use cryo-ET maps as a scaffold into which high-resolution structures of individual nucleoporins (Nups) or subdomains can be fitted reliably. We propose to achieve such goal by using a novel technique for cryo-sectioning of frozen hydrated biological samples, focused ion beam (FIB) milling, to obtain thin sections of nuclei in lifelike conditions, that will permit us to achieve cryo-ET maps of 2-3nm. Furthermore, we will use metallothionein tags, that nucleate gold clusters, in order to localize individual Nups with high-accuracy within the NPC map. These data, together with cross linking data from mass spectroscopy to determine distances between pairs of Nups, available crystallographic structures of single Nups, and cryo-EM data of subdomains, will be integrated into a high-resolution structure of the entire NPC using a proteomics approach.

Keywords: structural biology,cell biology,computational biology,3 d modelling,physiological biophysics
Circadian clock function by quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics (CLOCKPROTEOMICS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-09-01
End date: 2014-06-09
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 222568.56
EU funding (EUR): 222568.56
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The circadian clock is an endogenous oscillator that drives daily rhythms in physiology and behavior. The mechanism underlying circadian timekeeping is cell-autonomous and oscillations are generated by interconnecting transcriptional and translational feedback loops. To date large-scale approaches to study molecular circadian rhythms have been limited to the analysis of the transcriptome (mRNA). However, the “true” mediators of cellular functions are proteins. Recent advances in mass spectrometric and bioinformatics technology now allow global quantitation of protein abundance and phosphorylation. The aim of this proposal is to apply the latest methodology in mass spectrometry and bioinformatics, in combination with stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), or in mice, to the investigation of circadian clocks in mammals. I propose to perform a comprehensive quantitative analysis of protein and phosphoprotein circadian oscillations in mouse tissues. The results will be compiled in a database, linked to the European Bioinformatics Institute and available to the scientific community, containing the circadian profiles of all the identified proteins and phosphoproteins in different organs. In addition, I intend to use SILAC-based quantitative proteomics, to identify novel regulators of the circadian transcriptional activity by isolating and analyzing protein complexes bound to clock DNA consensus sequences, and to investigate the molecular interplay between the circadian clock and the DNA-repair machinery. In summary, the objectives of this proposal aim to pioneer the application of SILAC- and mass spectrometry-based proteomics in the quantification of circadian oscillations of proteins and phosphoproteins as well as in the identification of clock components and their interplay with proteins of the genotoxic response.

Keywords: circadian clock,proteomics,silac,mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics,phosphoproteomics,protein oscillations,phosphorylation,protein complexes,dna-damage
evolutionAry traNsitions: Chemical Ecology of Parasitic Societies (ANCEPS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Denmark
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IIF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2010-03-01
End date: 2012-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 296089.38
EU funding (EUR): 296089.38
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The interdisciplinary study of chemical communication has developed into a cutting edge field of science that can address key questions on the organization of life at both the cellular and the organismal level. The study of communication in insect societies and their social parasites has played a pivotal role in these developments. However, suitable model lineages with a sufficient number of evolutionary transitions between normal social living and social parasitism are uncommon and even fewer have been thoroughly studied. This proposal intends to make such a key model system available for study in Europe. Megalomyrmex ants are chemical warriors, dispensing volatile venom alkaloids (VAs) by waving their stings (i.e. gaster flagging) as they enter another ant species’ nest or during competition; the former are derived social parasites (parasites of a society), while the latter are predatory species. Both use gaster flagging as a ‘warning shot’, announcing their presence to hosts or competitors. If the host does not allow infiltration, the invader will attack and kill. Infiltration can be accomplished as just described (i.e. chemical weaponry) or through the alteration of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) (i.e. surface chemistry) using chemical mimicry and/or insignificance. I intend to decipher the chemical code of communication and manipulation of Megalomyrmex ants, linking behaviours observed to their chemical ecology. I will 1) test three infiltration strategy hypotheses using behavioural experimentation, 2) identify relevant chemical compounds, and 3) examine the results in an evolutionary context with phylogenetic hypothesis testing. Using a unique model system I pioneered, I will gain focused training in a leading laboratory in Europe which will enhance my job opportunities and future collaboration with Europe, transfer unique knowledge to the EU, and encourage a shift in the research on social parasitism towards a more comparative approach.

Keywords: social parasitism,chemical ecology,behavioural biology,social insects,phylogeny
DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATIONS OF NEW YLID CHEMISTRY (YLIDXCHEM)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-07-01
End date: 2011-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 171867.63
EU funding (EUR): 171867.63
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aims of this research are to develop efficient synthetic methodology for one-pot catalytic cross-metathesis/tandem oxonium ylide formation– [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement of unsaturated diazocarbonyl substrates, to establish a pool of useful chiral catalysts for this chemistry, and to apply this methodology in strategies for the enantioselective synthesis of selected biologically active natural product classes. The objectives are: Development and scope of one-pot cross-metathesis/tandem oxonium ylide formation– [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement New catalyst preparation and evaluation in enantioselective tandem ylide formation – rearrangement Development of asymmetric synthesis strategies to hyperolactone anti-HIV agents

Keywords: physical sciences,chemistry,organic chemistry
Differences in European Legal Cultures: A Study on Dispute Agreements As a Form of Private Regulation (LEGAL CULTURES)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2010-03-01
End date: 2012-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 171484.78
EU funding (EUR): 171484.78
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposal focuses on dispute agreement as to evidence, qualification and interpretation. Those are increasingly relied upon by the parties, in consumer and business contracts in domestic and cross-boarder transactions. They provide for a private regulation and are meant to impose the solutions parties agreed upon in case of disputes as to the contract. The legal effect attach to these agreements differs among the major European jurisdictions. I will demonstrate that these differences reflect deeper, underlying differences in legal culture in the major European jurisdictions. The research will include 3 steps. First, a comparative and analytical enquiry as to the legal effects of dispute agreements (UK, France and Germany and EU Principles). The purpose of this phase is to show for each jurisdiction to what extent the parties are allowed to depart from the usual rules on dispute and, therefore, the depth and limits of the freedom granted to the parties to modify the power of the judge. Second, a synthetic analysis of the extent to which the limits to the enforceability of private regulation can provide evidence as to accepted deviation from the normal public judicial role. The interest of this analysis is to show the relationship between restrictions on freedom of contract and core cultural fundamental procedural principles (judicial impartiality, principle of fair trial, etc.). Third, an assessment of prospective changes on these issues in connection with the procedural principals directly or indirectly stated in international norms such as the European Convention of Human Rights. This step reaches out directly to European Private Law as such and contributes to its construction.. A guide on the comparative effect of dispute agreements is, per se, a useful tool for transactions’ security in Europe. The deeper analysis of the cultural reasons that account for differences is needed to anticipate further European legal harmonization.

Keywords: contract law,comparative law,european law,business law,consumer law,legal cultures,private regulation
The physiological role of ADF/cofilin in neuronal development (AC BREAKS THE SPHERE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IIF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-04-01
End date: 2011-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 170418.35
EU funding (EUR): 170418.35
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Beginning life as simple symmetric spheres, neurons undergo a complicated morphogenesis until they become integrated in functional neuronal networks. A neurons development involves migration, neuritogenesis, polarization, and axon guidance. Each of these processes relies heavily on the reorganization of the underlying cytoskeleton. From cultured neurons and invertebrates, progress has been made in identifying signalling proteins that modulate the cytoskeleton during different stages of neuronal development. Despite the progress, questions remain regarding the physiological relevance of these molecules during neuronal development in mammals. ADF/cofilin proteins (AC proteins) have been implicated in regulating actin during various phases of neuronal development. Here, we outline our plans to study the role of AC proteins during in vivo development and in regulating actin dynamics during neurite formation using the brain-specific double knockout of ADF/Cofilin in mice. These studies will provide a greater understanding of the specific role of AC proteins during neuronal development and reveal how the organization and kinetics of actin changes during neurite formation and growth. Specifically, this work will: 1) characterize the developmental consequences of AC ablation in vivo, ex vivo and in culture, 2) determine what changes occur to the actin cytoskeleton with and without AC proteins during neuritogenesis, and 3) determine the genetic relationships of AC proteins during neurite formation. The proposed work will entail a multi-directional transfer of knowledge in advancing the conceptual understanding of neuronal development and in sharing technical expertise to and from the proposed fellow, the host institution, and the European Neuroscience community at large. The work is highly significant because it will elucidate mechanisms underlying brain development, an important issue at the intersection of cell and developmental biology and neurobiology.

Keywords: cofilin,in vivo,neuritogenesis,actin dynamics,cytoskeleton,neuronal development
Role of protein-tyrosine phosphatases in angiogenesis (PTPS IN ANGIOGENESIS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-07-01
End date: 2011-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180801.44
EU funding (EUR): 180801.44
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones and is involved in different physiological and pathological processes such as cancer and ischemia. Tyrosine phosphorylation is a reversible process, mediated by protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Although the role of PTKs in angiogenesis is well established, little is known about the function of specific PTPs in this process. In collaboration with Dr. H. Augustin, (Heidelberg, Germany) we found that the expression of several PTPs changes when spheroids of endothelial cells embedded in 3D matrices are exposed to angiogenic stimuli. To investigate the role of PTPs in angiogenesis, we generated a tetracycline-inducible shRNA library for targeting PTPs. We are also generating lentiviral vectors expressing inducible cDNAs of all the human PTPs. I propose to investigate the biological role of PTPs in angiogenesis by loss- and gain of function experiments in endothelial cells, using different in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis assays. My studies will determine the role of PTPs in developmental and pathological angiogenesis and test their merits as targets of angiogenic therapy.

Keywords: angiogenesis,endothelial cells,ptps,signaling
Self assembly of active colloids (ACSELFASSEMBLY)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-05-01
End date: 2011-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172434.64
EU funding (EUR): 172434.64
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

I plan to explore, by means of different molecular and mesoscale computer simulation techniques, the possibility of using active colloids as building blocks for self-assembled material. Active colloids are a novel class of soft matter maintained out of equilibrium, even in steady state, by internal energy sources. Examples are colloids producing small molecules at their surface (&quot;chuckers&quot;) that move due to an osmotic pressure imbalance caused by e. g. non-equilibrium density fluctuations of the small molecules, or colloids that self-propel in the surrounding medium. I will first study the physics of non-equilibrium chuckers, which has received little attention in the literature so far. In order to do that, I will consider a suspension of active and passive colloids to probe whether they phase separate or self-assemble into complex aggregates. I will then study the physics of motile colloids, focusing on Janus particles (synthetic colloids with different chemical properties at different locations), and I will make them motile to both direct and speed-up their self-assembly. At a later stage I will also simulate a suspension of these motile particles and non-adsorbing polymers to study the way self-assembly happens in an active colloids-polymers mixture. My project will have implications both in fundamental physics, shedding light onto non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, and in technology, allowing the design of new materials.

Keywords: soft matter,physical chemistry,colloids,computer simulations,monte carlo,brownian dynamics,self assembly,active matter,janus colloids