Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Direct implication of the Calcium Sensing Receptor in Vascular Calcifiction and Atherosclerosis in Chronic Kidney Disease (AtheroCaSR)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01, 2024)
Start date: 2026-09-01
End date: 2029-02-28
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 325434.9
EU funding (EUR): 325434.9
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

The principal cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Current therapies to treat vascular calcification (VC) and atherosclerosis, which mainly target mineralization and hyperlipidaemia, are not fully effective and have considerable limitations; therefore, additional mechanisms must be investigated. In this respect, hyperphosphatemia is associated with CVD and mortality in CKD patients. Recently, it has been demonstrated that phosphate inhibits Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR) signalling, which arise the hypothesis of a direct CaSR implication in vascular (patho)-physiology. Moreover, CaSR promotes opposed effects in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and osteoblast, preventing calcification in VSMC while increasing mineralization in osteoblast. Given the accumulative evidences that CaSR may exert protective vascular effects, the aim of the AtheroCaSR project is to study whether CaSR activation prevents vascular disorders while preserving bone health. To address this aim, the effects of CaSR modulation will be tested in vitro on VSMC calcification and osteoblastt differentiation under CKD conditions. Then, the effects of the specific CaSR deletion in VSMC will be studied on VC and atherosclerosis in mice with renal insufficiency using novel novel Next-Generation Sequencing for analysis of single cell transcriptome and translational efficiency, with focus on vascular lesions and mineral metabolism. In addition, whether calcimimetics prevent VC and atherosclerosis will be investigated in mice with reduced renal function. Finally, if CaSR modulation directly reduces VSMC microcalcification and atheromatous plaque will be analysed in a cohort of CKD patients treated with calcimimetics. The results from this ambitious study will provide new knowledge on the vascular pathology in CKD and may encourage promising clinical trials and the development of new drugs, having a great impact on CVD-associated mortality in CKD.

Keywords: calcium sensing receptor,vascular calcification,atherosclerosis,chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorders
Revealing the gene regulatory networks that govern cell mechanical properties by single cell microfluidics (READ-seq)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Germany,Switzerland,United States
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2021 (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01, 2021)
Start date: 2023-09-01
End date: 2025-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173847.36
EU funding (EUR): 173847.36
Participants: 3
Project status: SIGNED

Changes in mechanical properties of cells are key in a range of processes, including cell migration and development, and are frequently altered in disease states such as cancers. Yet, despite their key role, the gene regulatory networks underlying these processes are currently largely unresolved. Thus, the central aim of my proposed project is to gain a detailed understanding of how cellular mechanical properties are controlled, by developing microfluidic technology to simultaneously measure the mechanical phenotype and transcriptome of single cells in high throughput. The advent of single cell sequencing methods has been transformational for our understanding of biology, and multimodal approaches such as those combining genome and transcriptome measurements of the same cell, are likely to be even more so. The physical dimension, however, remains largely unexplored, and its exploitation offers the prospect of revealing how the biochemical composition of cells relates to their physical properties. I will thus apply my PhD experience to develop a microfluidic platform that combines physical and biochemical cell analysis, using real-time deformability cytometry and droplet-based single cell RNA sequencing. By matching the transcriptomic profile of each cell with its brightfield image, which yields their mechanical and morphological features, I will identify genes involved in the regulation of mechanical properties and their generality across cell types. In addition to elucidating fundamental regulators of cell mechanics, this technology will allow the investigation of their interplay with gene expression during both physiological and pathological cell state changes.

Keywords: cell mechanics,microfluidics
Organocatalytic enantioselective dearomative photocycloadditions for the synthesis of polycyclic heterocycles (PHOTO-STEREO)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Chemistry
Countries involved: Italy
Call: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2022 (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01, 2022)
Start date: 2023-04-01
End date: 2025-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172750.08
EU funding (EUR): 172750.08
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The PHOTO-STEREO action provides a general synthetic platform for the organocatalytic enantioselective dearomatization of heteroaromatic compounds by means of [2+2] photocycloadditions to obtain complex saturated polycyclic compounds in one step under mild conditions. The proposed strategy relies on the direct excitation, by means of visible light, of organocatalytic heteroaromatic intermediates to access their excited state reactivity. Furthermore, the implementation of this methodology into a flow system will enable the collaboration of the host institution with an industrial partner, offering to the fellow a valuable experience of the dynamics in industrial R&D. PHOTO-STEREO will merge the expertise of the group of Prof. Dell’Amico in photoredox catalysis with the expertise of the fellow in asymmetric organocatalysis. Overall, this project promotes the efficient use of sustainable resources, such as light and inexpensive heterocyclic feedstocks, while bringing innovation into the fields of synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. This project will ultimately contribute to the EU’s scientific excellence, and at long term, to scientific innovation with a positive impact in the society and EU’s economy. Importantly, all the competences acquired during the realization of this fellowship, together with the creation of new connections with industry and academy, will allow the fellow to reach a position of complete professional maturity, while providing her with fruitful opportunities for gaining a permanent position as senior scientist in both academic, or industrial settings

Keywords: asymmetric synthesis,organocatalysis
Capacity-building and transnational cooperation for National Contact Points (NCPs) for the EIC under Horizon Europe (ACCESS2EIC)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Innovative Europe
Programme: The European Innovation Council (EIC)
Theme: other EIC
Destination: Other destinations
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Italy,Spain,Austria,Poland,Israel,Germany,Norway,France,Greece,Ireland,Portugal,Bulgaria,Slovakia,Hungary,Czechia
Call: Capacity-building and transnational cooperation for National Contact Points (NCPs) (HORIZON-EIC-2021-NCP-01, 2021)
Start date: 2022-02-01
End date: 2029-01-31
Duration (months): 84.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4003007.01
EU funding (EUR): 4003007.0
Participants: 16
Project status: SIGNED

ACCESS2EIC is a 7 year coordination and support action which builds upon the foundations laid by previous EIC support networks and in line with the new Horizon Europe Framework Programme. Access2EIC aims to empower National Contact Points that have been nominated under the new Horizon Europe - European Innovation Council and European Innovation Ecosystems, and facilitate cooperation amongst NCPs to provide enhanced service across Europe. Specifically, the proposed network aims to: (1) Improve professionalisation and skills of NCPs across Europe which in turn will help to simplify access to Horizon Europe calls, lowering the entry barriers for newcomers, and raise the average quality of proposals submitted particularly for women entrepreneurs and in widening countries; (2) Identify and share good practices, promote trans-national cooperation and raise the general standard of support to programme applicants, taking into consideration the novelties under Horizon Europe, the third pillar and the various stakeholders within the EIC-EIE;

Keywords: european innovation council pathfinder accelerator transition sme capacity building national contact point european innovation ecosystem synergies key success factors horizon europe
Fusing LiDAR Observations with Remote-sensing Analysis for finding “beauty” in the city (FLORA)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Italy
Call: ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS (ERC-2024-POC, 2024)
Start date: 2025-05-01
End date: 2026-10-31
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 150000.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

The FLORA project aims to develop a comprehensive, multidimensional indicator dashboard (“FLORA dashboard”) that combines data from LiDAR, remote sensing, GIS, and human perception surveys to assess and enhance urban environments. The project seeks to address the need for a holistic tool that integrates diverse data sources to capture and score urban aesthetic perception, liveability, and health, ultimately aiding urban planners and public health officials in making data-driven decisions to improve quality of life in cities. Urban environments are complex, with multiple factors—such as green spaces, traffic patterns, air quality, and building structures—affecting the well-being of residents. Existing assessment tools are often limited to specific factors, lacking the ability to synthesize data from multiple sources into a comprehensive view of urban health and aesthetics. The breakthrough innovation of FLORA lies in its ability to merge multiple data sources into a single, cohesive assessment platform. Key innovations include: 1. Multisource Data Integration: Combining LiDAR, remote sensing, and human perception data for a comprehensive understanding of urban environments. 2. Multidimensional Indicators: Creating integrated metrics for urban beauty, liveability, and health, facilitating targeted urban interventions. 3. Human-Centred Approach: Including subjective data from residents to ensure that assessments reflect lived experiences and community needs. The FLORA dashboard will drive evidence-based policy-making and foster proactive urban health strategies. FLORA’s innovative approach entails challenges, such as data integration and interdisciplinary collaboration, but also promises high gains in setting new standards for urban health assessment. The potential of FLORA to revolutionize urban planning and public health strategies through data-driven, human-centred insights makes it a high-impact project with significant societal benefits.
Biological clocks in pelagic systems (BICLOPS)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Environmental B iology, Ecology  and E volution
Panel description: For all organisms : Ecology, biodiversity, environmental change , evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, microbial ecology , marine biology, ecophysiology, theoretical developments and mod elling
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2025-STG, 2025)
Start date: 2026-02-01
End date: 2031-01-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1499981.0
EU funding (EUR): 1499981.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Coordinated vertical migrations of animals in open waters (pelagic zone) are among the largest biomass movements on Earth. They structure marine ecosystem and are thereby essential to humans (e.g. fisheries, carbon-cycle). Yet, the mechanisms of these migrations are hardly understood, especially the impact of endogenous clocks vs. direct responses to environmental cycles. Endogenous clocks are central to various organismal rhythms. Importantly, they maintain organismal rhythmicity even under constant environmental conditions, clearly distinguishing clock-driven processes from those that are directly environmentally-controlled. Pelagic vertical migration behavior, environment and clocks strongly feed back onto each other, but molecular mechanistic functioning under these conditions is at present not understood at all, largely due to the lack of a pelagic lab animal model. BICLOPS will determine the role of endogenous clocks and different environmental cues in shaping pelagic vertical migrations, using the copepod Calanus finmarchicus – a Northern Atlantic ecological key species – as a lab model system. I will combine my expertise with this species and with ecological and functional molecular approaches to address four objectives: – determine how light affects the circadian clock and define neural clock centers and light receptors. – determine circadian clock functional interactions and effects of temperature/oxygen cycles. – identify external/internal regulators of copepod seasonal diapause. – determine how individual clock components affect diel and seasonal rhythmicity by functional clock interference. By determining clock functioning in a representative pelagic key species under environmental cycles shaped by the migrations themselves, BICLOPS will transform our knowledge of pelagic rhythm mechanisms. Understanding the processes that structure pelagic ecosystems is essential to predict their responses to climate change and implement measures to preserve them.

Keywords: marine chronobiology,zooplankton migrations,behavior environment interactions
Islands as natural laboratories of global warming: discovering insects’ ability to survive thermal extremes (IGNITE)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Environmental B iology, Ecology  and E volution
Panel description: For all organisms : Ecology, biodiversity, environmental change , evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, microbial ecology , marine biology, ecophysiology, theoretical developments and mod elling
Countries involved: Croatia
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2024-STG, 2024)
Start date: 2025-07-01
End date: 2030-06-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Global warming will increase the frequency of extreme heat events, exemplified by this year’s European heatwave. These thermal extremes pose challenges to insects, who play an indispensable role in terrestrial ecosystems, and whose body temperatures rise with habitat temperatures. Given the alarming trend of global insect declines, it is essential to understand their adaptability in the face of rising temperatures. IGNITE aims to answer one of the most urgent questions in ecology today—Will insects be able to survive the upcoming heat stress? To answer this question, we will test insects’ resilience to thermal extremes using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates insect physiological and behavioral responses with relevant micro- and macro-climates. Using state-of-the-art 3D thermal imaging of the habitat, we will determine how microclimatic heterogeneity combined with insect behavioral thermoregulation governs insect survival to extreme heat. While such microclimatic insights are pivotal, predicting long-term changes requires a macroclimatic perspective. Thus, we will develop a high-resolution climatic model of surface temperatures to forecast heatwave frequency and intensity on Mediterranean islands. We will test insects’ thermal plasticity potential with novel reciprocal transplant experiments in both the field and laboratory. We will use ants as model insects, due to their global distribution and ecological importance. Under temperature extremes projected by the macroclimatic model, we will determine ant thermal plasticity and its ramifications on ecosystem functions such as seed dispersal, plant productivity, and biodiversity. IGNITE integrates findings from climatology, behavioral ecology, and ecophysiology to understand insect resilience to temperature increases and cascading effects on ecosystems. By doing so it will pioneer global change biology research in the Mediterranean Region using islands as natural laboratories to study global warming.

Keywords: microclimate,heat waves,climatic modeling,geophysics,ecophysiology,ecology,behavior,ecosystem functioning
An Anti-Gravity Active Device for Exoskeletons to Reduce the Impact of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Logistics, Retailing and Manufacturing Sectors. (AGADE(Anti-Gravity Active Device for Exoskeletons))

Framework: Horizon Europe — Innovative Europe
Programme: The European Innovation Council (EIC)
Theme: EIC Accelerator
Destination: Open to supporting projects in all areas of science, technology,...
Action type: EIC actions
Countries involved: Italy
Call: EIC Accelerator Open 2021 (HORIZON-EIC-2021-ACCELERATOROPEN-01, 2021)
Start date: 2022-09-01
End date: 2025-03-31
Duration (months): 31.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2600151.71
EU funding (EUR): 1820106.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We introduce a disruptive, patented motion technology for exoskeletons: AGADE. It relies on a hybrid (active+passive) proprietary actuation system designed to reduce by 10 times electric consumption (compared to common electric motors) and, proportionally, batteries and motors’ weight. AGADE aims at erasing work-related muscular disorders through AGADEXO, the first exoskeleton to combine lightness, comfort and low environmental impact with smart compensation of physical fatigue at work. It is conceived of as a modular product (shoulder, low-back and full-body modules) in order to increase customisation and maximise market coverage and penetration in different sectors, such as logistics, retailing and manufacturing. Our innovation disrupts the market by bringing to it high-tech devices so far impossible to commercialise. The innovative wearable robotic system of AGADEXO does not substitute the individual, but it empowers physical abilities, improves efficiency and satisfaction at work.

Keywords: engineering and technology,electrical and electronic engineering,exoskeleton,collaborative robotics,robotics,health monitoring,productivity monitoring,low environmental impact,health
Physical and molecular underpinnings of the multifunctionality of bacterial peptide assemblies (PUMBA)

Framework: Horizon Europe — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences
Panel description: Analytical chemistry, chemical theory, physical chemistry/chemical physics
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2024-STG, 2024)
Start date: 2025-01-01
End date: 2029-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

An important challenge in biophysics is to understand the complex biological functions emerging from the physico-chemical properties of simple building blocks. Showcasing this challenging question is the multiple functions achieved by the phenol soluble modulins (PSMs) peptides from Staphylococcus aureus, able to self-assemble into amyloid structures, and underlying S. aureus pathogenicity. Over the past decade, the intrinsic capacity to form fibrils in vitro has been directly correlated with the peptide biological activities in vivo. This traditional focus severely limits our understanding of the role of more complex intermediate structures and dynamic interactions with the encountered biological membranes. Here, I propose to uncover the molecular determinants and mechanisms of self-assembly and its implication in dictating PSMs multifunctionality, from biofilm formation to inflammation and toxicity. I hypothesize that, beyond the current “one structure – one function” paradigm, intermediate assemblies are the membrane active entities and their co-aggregation with membrane components, such as lipids and proteins, contribute to their distinct functions. Building on my prior work on PSMα3 and my leading force in single-cell and single-molecule characterizations, I will: 1. Reveal the mechanism of self-assembly and the role of lipid co-factors 2. Uncover the molecular modes of action of diverse assemblies at the membrane interface 3. Establish in vivo how these assemblies drive host cell inflammation and death 4. Explore the role of self-assembly in bacterial adhesion, in turn biofilm formation By pinpointing the key characteristics of PSMs assemblies, from their physico-chemical to structural properties, responsible for their different functions, this project could set the basis for the design of novel structure-based therapeutics against staphylococcal infections, eliciting less antibio-resistance.

Keywords: self assembly,membrane,atomic force microscopy,host pathogen interactions