Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Cellular models for human disease: alleviation, mechanisms and potential therapies (DDR SYNVIA)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 299558.4
EU funding (EUR): 299558.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Various human genetic diseases are caused by defects in the DNA-damage response (DDR). DDR genes protect against cancer, as demonstrated by their somatic mutation or epigenetic silencing being common in cancers. Cancer-specific DDR deregulation is ripe for therapeutic exploitation but clinicians are facing two main problems: accurate identification of such exploitable cancer cell defects and development of resistance mechanisms that render tumours unresponsive to classical or targeted chemotherapies. A promising concept to address these issues is “synthetic viability”, wherein a combination of gene defects rescues the lethal effects of a single gene change. Recent work in model systems has highlighted the strong potential for synthetic viability screening to identify and understand relationships between DDR (and other) cellular components, thereby providing insights relevant to understanding and treating cancer. Furthermore, such screening approaches could also provide insights into, and suggest new treatment paradigms for, various human genetic diseases. The key objective of this Marie Curie project proposal is to explore synthetic viability principles applied to DDR mechanisms. I will carry out synthetic viability screens for genes whose mutation/loss suppresses cellular defects caused by loss of key DDR proteins. I will then carry out studies to determine whether such suppressors could be exploited as potential targets whose inhibition would alleviate the corresponding hereditary genetic disease, or whose re-activation might selectively re-sensitise cancers to DNA damage or DDR inhibitors. This work should thus not only provide insights into DDR processes and interactions between them, but could also suggest avenues for developing newer and more effective personalized cancer treatments. These studies might also suggest new treatment regimens for human DDR deficiency syndromes, and could provide a platform more broadly applicable to many inherited human diseases.

Keywords: dna-damage response (ddr),synthetic viability,cancer chemotherapy,inherited ddr deficiency syndromes,ddr inhibitors,cancer drug resistance,treatment optimization,personalized cancer treatments
Hydrogel-nanoparticle patches as prophylactic scaffold agents for in vivo local gene/drug delivery in colorectal cancer tumours. (CANCERHYDROGELPATCH)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-05-01
End date: 2017-04-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 294219.6
EU funding (EUR): 294219.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The World Health Organization and the American Cancer Society states that colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in Europe and in USA. Surgery is the primary form of treatment. Nevertheless, recurrence following surgery is a major problem and is often the ultimate cause of death. Previous therapies have not provided sufficient specificity and structural guidance to promote tumour inhibition after remission, as well as the full regeneration of injury tissue after surgery. Accordingly, our specific aim is to target colorectal tumours cells with hydrogels-drug-siRNA nanorods conjugates after surgery removal of the tumour in in vivo mice models of colorectal cancer. Drug conjugates (i.e. Bevacizumab, Cetuximab, Panitumumab) will be designed to specifically target cancer related growth factor receptors. These drugs will be associated with siRNA molecules against key genes in colorectal cancer progression (EpHB2, EGFR, Wnt) that will be specifically and local delivered in tumour cells. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a sort of patch made of the bioresorbable biomaterial like hydrogels impregnated with drug-siRNA conjugates for locally release in colorectal tumoral cells. At the same time, the hydrogel-nanoparticles functionalized with adhesion proteins like collagen, fibronectin and RGD will be designed as a scaffold with a polymeric core and an adhesive shell for enhanced attachment, proliferation, and phenotypic maintenance of intestinal endothelial and stem cells, as well as for the release of growth factors like insulin and EGF. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a multi-parallel solution to in vivo gene/drug delivery combined to soft tissue engineering applications to promote endothelial and stem cell adhesion, proliferation and migration is proposed. This proposal achieves the aims of the European Research Area and is highly relevant to the Marie Curie Programme and to long-term carreer development.

Keywords: hydrogel-nanoparticles,gold nanorods,sirna-drug conjugates,gene/drug delivery,scaffolds,stem cells,tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,nanotherapy,colorectal cancer.
Composite Nanoscale Delivery Systems for optimal in body and in product behavior (INBODY)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-10-01
End date: 2015-09-30
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 121923.9
EU funding (EUR): 121923.9
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The project aims at the development of zein-based composite delivery systems for plant polyphenols and iron salts (separately and in combination) for application in foods, whose design is based on the fundamental understanding of the interactions at molecular level between zein and the payload, in order to foster payload protection and delivery both in product and in body. The molecular organization and naturally occurring interactions of zein, the prolamin of corn, with the selected payload compounds will be exploited for the bioinspired synthesis of colloidal particles able to prevent the reduction in bioavailability and bioaccessibility usually associated with the co-administration of iron and polyphenols. The zein based colloidal particles will be stabilized through the deposition of molecular layers of absorbed biopolymers to improve the biocompatibility with food systems, as well as the stability, bioaccessibility and bioactivity of payload compounds. Finally, the in product and in body behavior will be investigated under accelerated ageing and simulated digestions in model food formulations. The main novelties proposed in relationship to the state of the art concern the exploitation of the naturally occurring molecular interactions between zein and polyphenols and zein and iron in the bioinspired synthesis of colloidal particles, the use of zein as key constituent, for its functional properties and capabilities to constitute nanoscale organized structures, as well as the development of a toolbox for rational design of the nanoscale delivery systems based on their in product and in body behavior. The applicant has a strong background in the delivery of polyphenols in lipid-based carriers, and has already shown independency and vocation to research. The host institution, widely considered a pivotal research centre in food delivery systems, is probably the best place in Europe to carry out such a research.

Keywords: delivery system,iron,polyphenols,zein,nanoscale,bio-inspired material synthesis,digestion,controlled release,bioaccessibility,bioactivity,organoleptic properties
Single-molecule imaging of twin-arginine transporter assembly (SMTAT)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-07-15
End date: 2016-07-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The export of proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane is an essential function for all cells. In bacteria, two distinct transport mechanisms are used: The well-studied Sec pathway transports unfolded proteins via extrusion through a membrane-bound channel. In contrast, much less is known regarding the Twin Arginine Translocation (Tat) pathway responsible for the transport of folded proteins. The complexity required for this function is beyond that of a simple conformational change, and requires the orchestration of multiple copies of multiple proteins assembled into a large protein complex. We recently developed a new form of artificial lipid bilayer that in addition to exceptional stability, and simple reconstitution of membrane proteins, is capable of single-molecule fluorescence imaging and single-channel electrical recording with gigaohm seals. Droplet Interface Bilayers (DIBs) are created by contacting aqueous droplets in a lipid/oil solution. We propose to reconstitute the minimal components of the Tat system in Droplet Interface Bilayers to create a working in vitro model of this important biological pathway. Using this method we will exploit single-molecule imaging to dissect the individual steps of Tat-driven transport, and in particular quantify the changes in stoichiometry of the assembled complex that occur during transport.

Keywords: droplet interface bilayers,inner membrane vesicles,membrane proteins,twin arginine translocation,fluorescence,photobleaching,stoichiometry.
Investigation of proton-rich nuclei using novel techniques (MARAGAS)

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: Finland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-02-01
End date: 2017-01-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 199016.4
EU funding (EUR): 199016.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Proton rich nuclei with N≈Z and masses close to A=100 are excellent for the investication of neutron-proton interactions and neutron-proton pairing and may provide insight to some of the most interesting and exciting topics in nuclear physics. Heavy N≈Z nuclei are also of astrophysical interest mainly in the study of the rapid proton capture (rp) process. From the viewpoint of fundamental physics precision measurements of super-allowed 0+ to 0+ β-decays in the N≈Z nuclei can test the standard model of the weak interaction. This project concentrates on the study of nuclei close to the N=Z line in the region of 100Sn. These studies will provide information on nuclear structure, test nuclear mass models, study exotic modes of decay and collect information about the astrophysical rp-process. The proposed Fellow will take a leading role in the development of experimental tools that will be used to study N≈Z nuclei and will consequently use these apparatuses in selected physics cases. The research objectives of the proposed project will be divided into two main parts: 1) Study of nuclei in the vicinity of doubly magic 100Sn employing the MARA vacuum-mode recoil separator, and 2) Design, manufacture and commissioning of a gas cell to be incorporated at the focal plane of MARA. The proposed project will be carried out in JYFL and will offer the Fellow the opportunity to broaden his physics knowledge and expertise and enhance his project and people management skills. He will be in charge of the project through all its stages and will be a leading member of a European collaboration concentrating on studies employing gas cells at the focal plane of recoil separators. At the completion of this project the proposed Fellow will be a prime candidate for long-term positions both in academia and in industry. This project will help the European research community to stay in the forefront of research and experimental technology and techniques.

Keywords: n=z nuclei,100sn,superallowed alpha decay,ground-state proton emision,c cluster emission,rp-process,gas cell,vacuum mode separator
Molecular characterization of environmental stress responses in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum (UVTRANCYCLUM)

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: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-01-01
End date: 2016-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 177000.0
EU funding (EUR): 177000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Solar UV-B radiations can have a negative impact on photosynthetic organisms leading to a reduction of the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Aquatic ecosystems absorb a similar amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide as terrestrial ecosystems, are estimated to produce half of the biomass on our planet and are a major source for human food supply. At the base of these ecosystems, phytoplankton are the main primary producers. Among them, diatoms have colonized all types of aquatic environments and are thought to be responsible for as much as 20 % of global primary productivity. Although diatoms do not have the plant UV-B photoreceptor (UVR8), they are able to accumulate UV-B absorbing compounds when exposed to UV-B, suggesting adaptive responses. However, when exposed to chronic UV-B exposure, diatoms exhibit a decreased growth rate and increased cell volume reflecting a decoupling between cell division and cell growth. The proposed project aims at defining the genetic basis of systemic and specific signaling pathways in response to UV-B in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. A high throughput approach will be used to unveil the transcriptomic reprogramming happening upon UV-B stress. DNA stress checkpoint and DNA repair genes will be further characterized for their response to UV-B as the encoded proteins are essential actors at the interface of environmental stress and the controlling of cell cycle blockage and re-entrance. Promoters of the highly UV-B regulated genes will be dissected to identify cis-elements and further used to identify potential UV-B specific transcription factors. The project aims at integrating my knowledge on light signaling in the cell cycle research work on diatoms performed in the group of Prof. Lieven De Veylder. Exploration of this novel interdisciplinary scientific niche, together with the acquisition of new knowledge and additional skills, will help me in obtaining a position as an independent researcher in the near future.

Keywords: environmental stress,uv-b signaling,acclimation,dna damage,cell cycle checkpoint,transcriptional regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms underlying inter-individual differences in drug response and hepatic disease. (INTERDRUG)

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: Sweden
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-05-01
End date: 2016-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 206350.8
EU funding (EUR): 206350.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Inter-individual differences in reaction to drugs and pharmacological treatments can cause severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and are a common reason of withdrawal of drugs from the market. ADRs are as costly for society as treatment itself and are a major cause of hospitalizations and deaths. Genetic polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes involved in drug metabolism can only explain a small subset of the inter-individual differences in response to pharmacological treatment. Recently, the host lab identified DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC) as a stable and abundant epigenetic modification that influences liver function and development. The project proposed here aims at the elucidation of epigenetic polymorphisms that impact on the expression of hepatic genes involved in metabolism and disease with particular focus on 5hmC. To this end, a multidisciplinary approach is employed using bioinformatic analyses of Next Generation Sequencing data and functional testing of identified sites in 3D integrated liver cultures and iPS derived hepatocytes. The identification of DNA elements whose epigenetic status influences liver gene expression and drug response is directly translated to clinical applications as it will improve pharmacological treatment by tailoring to the epigenomic information of the individual patient. Additionally, the identification of epigenetic polymorphisms in obesity and liver diseases such as cholestatic disease, liver cancer metastases, steatosis or cirrhosis promises a better understanding of these common detrimental liver conditions and can contribute to the design of novel therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, differentially modified DNA elements will be used as hepatic biomarkers for the non-invasive blood-based detection of liver diseases.

Keywords: human hepatology / pharmacogenomics / drug response / dna methylation and hydroxymethylation / ips culture / homolgous recombination / 3d hepatocyte culture
Sociality and division of labour: microbial, behavioural and epigenetic interactions (SODOLS)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 299558.4
EU funding (EUR): 299558.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Understanding the evolution and maintenance of cooperation is one of the major challenges in biology and is epitomised by the eusocial insects, which Darwin even considered to be potentially fatal to his theory of natural selection. Hamilton’s seminal papers revolutionised our understanding of evolution by explaining cooperation in social insect societies via kin selection, where individuals gain fitness by helping their relatives. But, in the absence of an overarching manager, how is it decided who does what tasks in these cooperative societies? Most biological research considers individual animals as discrete entities, however they in fact host a plethora of symbiotic microbes that can have significant beneficial or parasitic effects on their hosts. The importance of these symbioses is now beginning to be understood - gut microbiota have been found to affect, and be affected by behaviour and the expression of associated genes in different animals. Gut bacteria and behaviour in social insects are known to be influenced by many of the same factors (e.g. age), however, the relationship between microbial associations, sociality and division of labour, remains almost entirely unexplored. To address this gap, this project will investigate the relationship between microbial communities and the evolution of sociality, individual behaviour and division of labour, and the role in these of DNA-methylation-mediated effects. This will be achieved by sequencing and characterising the gut bacteria community and epigenetic architecture of workers performing different behaviours, experimentally manipulating the microbe communities, and also characterising individuals with different social phenotypes from a single population. This project will provide important insights into the bidirectional relationships between symbionts and division of labour, and the associated training will provide a step-change in my expertise as a scientist.

Keywords: behaviour,symbionts,epigenetics,social insects
Archaeology and an integrated approach to landscape governance Development of an Integrated Landscape Character Appraisal Method (ILCA) (ILCA)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-06-02
End date: 2016-07-17
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

ILCA is a 24 month research training project involving international and inter-sector mobility within Europe. To undertake the project, the researcher will move from Greece to the United Kingdom and move between sectors, transferring from her current position in the third sector, with the landscape and environment NGO Med-INA, to the academic sector at the University of Glasgow. The project is based on the idea that the integrated characterisation of a landscape - and particularly of the landscape’s dynamic historical evolution - is necessary to fully realise the potential of sustainable development in specific localities. Here, sustainable development is understood as a long-term and integrated approach to the maintenance and generation of social, cultural, economic and environmental gains. Systematic appraisal of the landscape's dynamic history, and of the meaning of that history to people in the present, produces a long-term perspective on the landscape's character. In turn, this perspective provides a solid foundation for creating sustainable and integrated governance policies and strategies. The project will conceptualise, design, test and evaluate method for landscape character appraisal. This method will be innovative in its holistic, multi-disciplinary and participatory approach. The ILCA method will provide a cost-effective means of describing and evaluating the historic evolution of landscapes and of connecting that historic knowledge with processes of landscape governance. The ILCA method will provide practitioners, stakeholders and decision-makers with a knowledge base which underpins the creation and implementation of policies and actions consistent with the objective of sustainable development. The ILCA method will progress landscape characterisation methodology, innovating to produce a more integrated and participatory approach which better connects knowledge about long-term historic dynamics with planning and decision-making for the future.

Keywords: historic landscape,landscape character appraisal,territorial governance and planning,integration,public participation,sustainable development,european landscape convention