Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
The role of the histone variant H3.3 in epigenetic reprogramming of primordial germ cells (HISTONEGERMCELLS)

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-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2015-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 200371.8
EU funding (EUR): 200371.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The germ cell lineage gives rise to the gametes, which ensures the transmission of genetic and epigenetic information to the subsequent generation. In mice, the foundation of the germ cell lineage is based on the specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during embryonic development. Following specification, PGCs are epigenetically reprogrammed by active DNA demethylation and chromatin remodelling resetting the epigenome for acquiring totipotency. However, the underlying mechanisms of PGC reprogramming are not well understood. Recent studies point towards a role for the histone variant H3.3 as a central mediator of epigenetic reprogramming of PGCs. Most notably, the histone chaperone HIRA, which is necessary for the deposition of H3.3 into nucleosomes, is highly enriched in nascent PGCs. The proposed study aims to elucidate mechanisms of epigenetic reprogramming and its role in the establishment of the pluripotent state. Therefore, I aim to study the role of the key histone variant H3.3 and its regulation by the histone chaperone HIRA in PGCs by generating knockout mice models. Further, to gain new insight into the establishment of the unique chromatin signature in PGCs, I will monitor fluorescently labelled H3.3 in PGCs by time-lapse confocal microscopy. This will not only provide significant insight into the nucleosome dynamics of H3.3 but will also for the first time capture epigenetic reprogramming of PGCs in real-time. During my postdoctoral studies I will not only expand my background in cell fate specification and epigenetics in C. elegans and Drosophila towards a vertebrate model but will also establish novel in vivo imaging techniques in an excellent scientific environment. This project provides training in techniques of germ cell and stem cell biology and offers the opportunity to establish collaborations, altogether putting me in an excellent position for my future career as an independent researcher.

Keywords: natural sciences,developmental biology,mouse,primordial germ cells,stem cells,epigenetic reprogramming,chromatin remodelling,histone,histone variant,histone chaperone,nucleosome,h3.3,hira
Novel Capsosome-Based Approach to Promote Angiogenesis for Bone Repair (BONE CAPSOSOME)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-08-01
End date: 2014-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 200371.8
EU funding (EUR): 200371.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Despite the regenerative capacity of bone, large bone defects observed in severe fractures lack the template for an orchestrated regeneration and require bone graft substitutes. A large number of synthetic bone grafts are commercially available; however, one of the biggest challenges is to insure rapid growth of new capillary blood vessels (angiogenesis) within the scaffold construct so that the tissue will survive and be supplied with nutrients. The aim of BONE CAPSOSOME project is to develop a novel approach and cost-effective strategies to promote angiogenesis for bone repair. The natural process of angiogenesis requires combinatorial and/or sequential delivery of growth factors and efficient controlled delivery of growth factors demands the usage of highly functional and tuned delivery vehicle. Capsosome, a polymer capsule containing controlled amounts of liposomes as subcompartments, offers an ideal platform and a novel approach to deliver angiogenesis-promoting growth factors due to the ability to co-encapsulate multiple growth factors and to deliver encapsulated cargo in a time controlled manner. These cargo-loaded capsosomes will be incorporated into 3-D cell co-cultures carried out on hydrogel matrices. The enhanced vascular potential and the formation of endothelial tubes and new bone will be observed by a novel live cell mapping technique Raman micro-spectroscopy. This project combines a multidisciplinary approach, in particular the fields of materials chemistry and biomedical engineering. The significance of this project is highlighted by the innovative methods employed to advance the state-of-the-art in materials chemistry and tissue engineering therapies for critical bone defects as these remain a very important clinical challenge. This maximizes the value of the project and its impact on Europe both scientifically and economically and is an ideal fit with the FP7 framework.

Keywords: polymer chemistry,biomaterial engineering,biomedical engineering,polymer,liposome,layer-by-layer,delivery vehicle,growth factor,angiogenesis,bone
Sequence of Mutational Events and Sub-clonal Architecture in Plasma Cell Myeloma (ICRMYELOMA)

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-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-08-01
End date: 2014-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 209033.4
EU funding (EUR): 209033.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Plasma cell myeloma (PCM) is an incurable malignancy. Cytogenetics, molecular genetics and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays have shown significant genetic complexity in PCM. However, these screens reflect only the predominant clonal population and genetic-based prognostic classification of PCM can predict the outcome only in a subset of cases. To better understand the oncogenesis of PCM combined investigation of genetic abnormalities at single cell level is needed. The original theory of clonal evolution in cancer proposed a stepwise, linear acquisition of mutations; however a branching sub-clonal genetic structure has recently been demonstrated in the leukaemia-propagating (‘stem’) cells of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The aim of this project is (i) to determine whether sub-clonal heterogeneity is a feature of PCM, (ii) to determine whether there is any particular order of acquisition of translocations, copy number alterations and gene mutations, (iii) to examine clonal heterogeneity with progression of disease and (iv) to determine whether myeloma propagating cells also show sub-clonal genetic heterogeneity. Purified plasma cells from patients with PCM as well as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and plasma cell leukaemia will be investigated. Specific abnormalities, identified by pre-screening tests, will be analyzed at single cell level using multicolour-FISH and a high-throughput microfluidic platform. Serial transplantation of malignant cells into NOD/SCID mice will be used for investigation of sub-clonal heterogeneity of myeloma propagating cells. We anticipate that this project will identify key mechanisms in myeloma progression potentially leading to the introduction of a much more precise prognostic classification and residual disease monitoring. If myeloma stem cells are genetically diverse, this offers the potential to alter treatment strategies and will have major implications for management of patients with PCM.

Keywords: haematology,myeloma,sub-clonal heterogeneity,single cell analysis
Neurotransmitter synthesis disorders: towards a therapeutic correction (THERAPY OPTIONS THD)

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: Norway
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 208353.6
EU funding (EUR): 208353.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The present postdoctoral project to be carried out by Dr. Ana Jorge Finnigan at the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, is integrated in the research programs carried out at Research group Biorecognition, leaded by Professor Aurora Martinez. The postdoctoral project integrates methods spanning the structural and functional characterization of complexes of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) with proteins and membranes, and the regulation of the activity and localization of TH by small ligands, both in cells and animal models. The activities are organized in an interdisciplinary set-up of expertise and methodology managed by the applicant lab and a network of collaborators. TH catalyzes the hydroxylation of L-Tyr to DOPA, the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of catecholamine neurotransmitters and hormones in brain and neuroendocrine tissues. Due to the high relevance of well-regulated catecholamine synthesis and protein-membrane interactions in human health and neurological disease, the project is expected to contribute with novel understanding of pathogenic mechanism affecting TH stability and regulation as well as with novel therapeutic approaches aiming correction of TH misfolding and mislocalization. The therapuetical tools developed through this project may even be of application to social burden diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Keywords: tyrosine hydroxylase,pharmacological chaperones,thd,molecular biology,catecholamin synthesis
The Evolutionary Ecology OF underground Fruits (TEE-OFF)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-08-01
End date: 2014-09-25
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 233705.2
EU funding (EUR): 233705.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

How an organism disperses is expected to strongly influence its geographic distribution and degree of local adaptation. However, empirical tests of these assumptions are lacking and it is unclear why closely related organisms differ in their dispersal behavior. Here, we propose to elucidate the consequences of dispersal by investigating why some organisms do not disperse. Plants with non-dispersing underground fruits will be compared with similar taxa with aerial fruits. The latter are assumed to facilitate migration, while underground fruits are predicted to maximize local adaptation and (as hypothesized by C. Darwin) to provide escape from predators. We will use two cultivated legumes native to continental Europe and their closest relatives to determine to what extent dispersal syndromes are the product of adaptive processes, phenotypic plasticity or neutral genetic divergence. We will characterize the abiotic and biotic environment where each taxon grows and analyze the genetic structure of plant populations and their associated Rhizobia, to study their comparative biogeography. Furthermore, reciprocal sowings and common garden experiments will examine the adaptive value of underground fruits under different conditions. With this variety of approaches we aim to establish a) the extent to which dispersal constrains the geographical distribution of plants; b) if specific dispersal syndromes provide an evolutionary advantage in certain habitats and c) how dispersal behavior changes in response to biotic interactions. These questions should provide invaluable insight on the evolutionary ecology of dispersal. Additionally, since the plants used include crops, the results have potential breeding applicability. Lastly, this project will contribute to mobility in the European Research Area by bringing a creative researcher to Europe. It will also increase the competitiveness of the ERA by increasing the research, networking and outreach capacities of the host institution

Keywords: amphicarpy,evolutionary biology,dispersal,lathyrus,legumes,local adaptation,natural sciences,neutral divergence,phenotypic plasticity,phylogeography,plant ecology,unpredictability,vicia
Electron orbital resolution in scanning tunneling microscopy (ORBITAL IMAGING)

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: Ireland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-11-12
End date: 2014-05-11
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 200041.95
EU funding (EUR): 200041.95
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) has become one of the basic techniques for the analysis of surface reconstructions, overlayer growth mechanisms, surface dynamics and chemistry at the atomic scale. STM is used in physics, chemistry and biology for investigation of organic and inorganic nanoobjects. However, the mechanisms of STM image formation are still not completely understood. The proposed project will be focused mainly on two unresolved issues. The first research focus is related to fabrication of functionalized STM probes with well defined electronic (orbital) structure. To control the electronic structure of the STM tip apex, oriented single crystal probes will be used. The second research focus is related to experimental and theoretical studies of the STM tip and surface atoms interaction and the role of different electron orbitals of the both tip and surface atoms in the STM image formation process. The atom-atom interaction at extremely small tunneling gaps as well as distance and bias voltage dependent contribution of separate electron orbitals will be studied experimentally using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy at room and low temperatures. The experimental data will be analyzed in a conjunction with results of theoretical (density functional theory and tight binding) calculations. The project activity can provide new fundamental understanding of the atomic scale objects and give some keys for controllable probing separate electron orbitals of individual atoms with STM. This can advance the surface analysis methods necessary for development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The selective orbital imaging capability can allow to reach ultimate spatial resolution, spin sensitivity at the atomic scale and controllable chemical discrimination of atomic species on surfaces using STM that are essential for physics, chemistry, biology, medicine and materials science.

Keywords: surface physics,solid state physics,applied physics,electronic,magnetic and superconductive properties,surface chemistry,nanotechnology,electron orbital,scanning tunneling microscopy
Search for New Physics in Electroweak Penguin Transitions at LHCb (PENGUIN)

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-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2015-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 200371.8
EU funding (EUR): 200371.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The Standard Model (SM) is the theory describing Matter. This model is very predictive and has been tested thoroughly. However, it fails to explain cosmological puzzles as Dark Matter and the Matter-Antimatter imbalance. Several models exist that claim to better describe Matter: they are named New Physics (NP). There exist two ways to test NP. One can either look for particles in-existent in the SM, or more subtly, look for indirect effects of NP on specific observables. The research I propose uses the indirect approach to constrain NP models. It has the potential to rule out some models, or on the contrary to discover NP via the observation of an effect impossible within the SM. Rare decays of B mesons allow for very precise predictions in the SM and there exist several observables for which the SM predictions sensibly differ from those of NP models. Thus rare B decays are ideally suited to test NP. In this project I propose to measure the branching fractions of the Bs and B0 into two muons, as well as to perform an angular analysis of the B0->K*mumu and Bs->Phimumu decays. The first subject has a high potential to constrain or discover NP. The other two subjects also have a large sensitivity to NP and have the further advantage to be complementary to the first subject since they probe for different types of models. The proposed research is timely. The study of the Bs->mumu decay is indeed the most significant result of the LHC so far. Moreover, the angular study of B0->K*mumu is currently lacking statistics at any experiments but LHCb will be able to provide a unique result in the next years. Finally, the study of the Bs->Phimumu is less advanced but it recently raised a lot of attention from theorists who demonstrated its high potential to constrain NP. The Cavendish Laboratory is perfect to undertake this research. My proposal extends indeed the work initiated at Cambridge on B0->K*mumu, while it brings new topics of study with Bs->mumu and Bs->Phimumu.

Keywords: physical sciences,experimental physics,high energy physics,new physics,standard model,cern,lhc,lhcb,b decays,rare decays,electroweak penguin.
Synthetic Biology Resources for Universities: Research, development and implementation of resources for teaching synthetic biology (UNIGEMS)

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-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-05-01
End date: 2014-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 209033.4
EU funding (EUR): 209033.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Synthetic biology is an emergent interdisciplinary field that brings chemists, geneticists and microbiologists together with designers of electronic circuits, researchers of digital signal transmission and complex system interactions. It applies engineering principles such as the standardisation of parts and their organisation into complex circuits to recombinant DNA techniques. Its goal is to create organisms with desirable characteristics. Synthetic biology is also a valuable research tool used to elucidate the function of biological systems and inform their modification. UNIGEMS aims to select and create a compatible and extensible set of curated synthetic biology resources, develop them into low-cost packages of equipment and materials to assist in synthetic biology training and deliver practical courses for university students. The materials will form an entry point to expansion, modification and generation of synthetic systems, open to students’ and lecturers’ ’ ideas. UNIGEMS’ core set of curated resources will advance the understanding of synthetic biology techniques, its limitations and advantages, the ethical consequences of its use and its impact on society. It will promote wider engagement in synthetic biology in universities across Europe. The project combines: 1) Laboratory research in a cutting-edge field, developing and testing synthetic biology parts and modules; 2) Product development in preparing low-cost, laboratory-ready kits; 3) Preparing, overseeing, conducting and analysing an inquiry-based practical synthetic biology course for undergraduate students. The UNIGEMS project will allow the Fellow to gain expertise both in new research fields (bacterial genomics and physiology and engineering principles) and new science education experiences (product development, preparing and providing educational content for undergraduates). All of these experiences will enable him to set up his own gorup in Poland after completion of the project.

Keywords: genetically modified organisms,molecular design,de novo design,synthetic biology,igem,biobricks,inquiry-based learning,inquiry-based teaching
Non-gaussianities in the observable universe and the origin of cosmic inhomogeneities (NOUCI)

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-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-08-01
End date: 2017-12-13
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 209033.4
EU funding (EUR): 209033.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Inflation provides a natural mechanism to account for the origin of cosmic structures. The generation of primordial inhomogeneities during inflation is usually computed as the result of the (gravitationally-induced) spontaneous creation of quanta from an initial vacuum state. However, as recently pointed out by Agullo and Parker, when the corresponding stimulated creation is considered, the characteristics of the state of the universe at the onset of inflation are not diluted by the inflationary expansion and can be imprinted in the distribution of primordial inhomogeneities. The objective of this research project is to provide a detailed analysis of the consequences of the stimulated creation effect during inflation. We will analyze the consequences of having a totally arbitrary initial state describing metric perturbations at the onset of inflation for the predictions of inflation regarding the Cosmic Microwave Background (CBM) anisotropies and galaxy distribution. We will pay special attention to the effects concerning non-gaussianites. This analysis will provide a characterization of the pattern expected from a generic non-vacuum state and, on the other hand, will show what information about that state can be extracted from observations. On the other hand, the stimulated creation effect opens a window towards the observation of pre-inflationary effects in the CMB and galaxy distribution. The objective of this part of the research project is to work out in detail the predictions arising from quantum gravity proposals of the early universe, and the potential that forthcoming observations have to constrain those proposals.

Keywords: cosmology,quantum field theory (in curved spacetimes),inflation,quantum cosmology,non-gaussianities,cosmic microwave background