Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Neuron-associated macrophages in the gut as novel target for the treatment of enteric neuropathies (NEUMACS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases
Panel description: Medical technologies and tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, therapeutic approaches and interventions, pharmacology, preventative medicine, epidemiology and public health, digital medicine
Countries involved: Belgium
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2018-ADG, 2018)
Start date: 2019-10-01
End date: 2024-09-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

The gastrointestinal tract has the vital task to digest and absorb ingested food, a complex process requiring coordinated integration of motility, secretion, vascularization and absorption. Thereto the gastrointestinal tract is equipped with its own nervous system, the enteric nervous system (ENS), capable of controlling gut function independently of input from brain or spinal cord. Reduction in number or dysfunction of the neurons within the gut wall, also referred to as enteric neuropathy, significantly impacts on gut function, resulting in stasis of luminal contents and malabsorption, chronic pain, vomiting, bloating and severe constipation. Enteric neuropathies are common in prevalent disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and ageing, all major contributors to the health burden. Despite the continuous global increase in incidence of these disorders, the insight in the mechanisms leading to the reduction or dysfunction of enteric neurons is limited and most importantly, adequate treatment is lacking. Recently, we collected evidence that survival of enteric neurons is guaranteed by a unique subpopulation of resident macrophages closely associated to the ENS and expressing a typical neuroprotective / -supportive transcriptome. In line, depletion of these neuron-associated macrophages (NA-MF) results in apoptosis and a reduction in number of enteric neurons leading to severely impaired gastrointestinal motility. We pose the provocative hypothesis that enteric neuropathy results from impaired support to the ENS by NA-MF, leading to neural distress and apoptosis. Using state-of-the-art methods, we will first characterize in depth the NA-MF population to subsequently unravel the mechanisms leading to failure of NA-MF to support and protect the ENS in animal models and in patients. These ground-breaking insights will allow us to identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of enteric neuropathies, representing an exponentially growing health problem of the 21st century.

Keywords: enteric neuropathy,resident macrophages,enteric nervous system,diabetes,ageing,obesity,transcriptome
Restarting the Economy in Support of Environment, through Technology (RESET)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)
Theme: EIC Pathfinder
Destination: Emerging themes and communities
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Italy,Spain,Romania,Netherlands,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Environmental Intelligence (H2020-FETPROACT-2020-2, 2020)
Start date: 2021-01-01
End date: 2023-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2116200.0
EU funding (EUR): 2116200.0
Participants: 6
Project status: SIGNED

Time is running out to achieve a more sustainable development. Post COVID-19 economic stimuli need to deploy a green new deal (GND) that ReSETs economic systems to create secure and meaningful employment whilst protecting nature for people, for climate change and flood mitigation, temperature regulation, pollution prevention and soil and biodiversity conservation. This green new deal needs to harness safe, renewable technologies and nature-based solutions. A business as usual (BAU) post-COVID stimulus would embed employment, economic and environmental precarity in what is now fundamentally an unsustainable and unequitable model. RESET aims to leverage developments in spatial modelling, artificial intelligence and interoperable environmental sensing to better understand pathways to RESET agricultural and urban development across Europe for sustainability. For agriculture we will examine BAU versus an alternative trajectory of regenerative agriculture and rewilding. For cities we will examine BAU vs a more telecommuting focused trajectory of lowered densities, re-greening, traffic reduction to reduce (air, water, noise) pollution and improve the quality of urban life. In all cases we will examine impacts on employment, environment and economy. We focus on farmland and urban land uses as understudied environments and as key for sustainable development. We will build upon the success of our previous work in developing spatial policy support systems and accompanying user-led design processes, to further develop and integrate advanced environmental sensor networks with a focus on per-person individualised employment, economic and environmental outcomes of investments. This will require environmental and social intelligence to an unprecedented degree bringing together environmental modelling, advanced sensor research, social science and stakeholders’ engagement, and artificial intelligence to go way beyond conventional environmental impact assessment approaches.

Keywords: green new deal investment policy support,environmental social science,artificial intelligence,advanced sensing,risk management,urban and agriculture sustainability,citizen science,modelling
Children and social robots: An integrative framework (CHILDROBOT)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems
Panel description: Political science, international relations, law
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2015-CoG, 2015)
Start date: 2017-01-01
End date: 2022-12-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999012.0
EU funding (EUR): 1999012.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Robots used to be made for labor; now, they are increasingly also made for relationships. Social robots can learn from us, teach us, play with us, and assist us. With the market for social robots expected to grow substantially in the next 20 years, social robots are likely to become a life-changing technology similar to personal computers or smart phones. Still, we still know little about one of the most intriguing, relevant, and timely issues in this process – children’s interaction with social robots. Children are not only increasingly recognized and targeted as early adopters of new technologies; they may also be more susceptible to potential effects of interacting with robots than are adults. As research on child-robot interaction (CRI) is still a fragmented field, the main aim of the proposed project is to develop an integrative framework of CRI. This framework synthesizes theories and concepts from communication research, human-robot-interaction, as well as developmental and social psychology in an entirely new way. It will focus (1) on the antecedents of children’s acceptance of social robots; (2) the con-sequences of CRI for children’s learning of social skills from social robots and their relationship formation with them; and (3) the processes that explain why such effects emerge. The project combines survey and experimental research, thereby bringing an unprecedented, but much needed multi-methodological approach to the field of CRI. Focusing on 8-9 year-old children, the project will also provide two crucial methodological innovations: (a) the creation an inventory of standardized measures for CRI and (b) new procedures and research designs to study long-term CRI. In its pioneering focus on a disruptive new technology, its theoretically unifying character, and its original methodological contributions, the project will not only define the field of CRI, but will also present a completely new agenda for it.

Keywords: children,prosocial behavior,media effects,learning,new media,technology,relationship formation,robotics
Molecular mechanisms of acute oxygen sensing. (OxygenSensing)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing
Panel description: Organ and tissue physiology, comparative physiology, physiology of ageing, pathophysiology, interorgan and tissue communication, endocrinology, nutrition, metabolism, interaction with the microbiome, non-communicable diseases including cancer (and except disorders of the nervous system and immunity-related diseases)
Countries involved: Spain
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2014-ADG, 2014)
Start date: 2015-11-01
End date: 2021-10-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2843750.0
EU funding (EUR): 2843750.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Oxygen (O2) is essential for life on Earth. This proposal deals with the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying acute O2 sensing by cells, a long-standing issue that is yet to be elucidated. In recent years, the discovery of hypoxia inducible transcription factors and their regulation by the O2-dependent hydroxylases has provided a solid framework for understanding genetic responses to sustained (chronic) hypoxia. However the mechanisms of acute O2 sensing, necessary for the activation of rapid, life-saving, compensatory respiratory and cardiovascular reflexes (e.g. hyperventilation and sympathetic activation), are unknown. While the primary goal of the project is to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying acute O2 sensing by arterial chemoreceptors (carotid body –CB- and adrenal medulla –AM-), we will also extend our study to other organs (e.g. pulmonary and systemic arteries) of the homeostatic acute O2-sensing system. We will investigate the role of mitochondria, in particular complex I (MCI), in acute O2 sensing. Previous data from our group demonstrated that rotenone, a MCI blocker, selectively occludes responsiveness to hypoxia in CB cells. In addition, our unpublished data indicate that sensitivity to hypoxia (but not to other stimuli) is lost in mice with genetic disruption of MCI genes in CB and AM cells. We have shown that the adult CB is a plastic organ that contains a population of multipotent neural stem cells. Hence, another objective of the project is to study the role of these stem cells in CB modulation (over- or infra-activation), which may participate in the pathogenesis of diseases. In the past, our group has made seminal contributions to unveiling the cellular bases of arterial chemoreception. The discovery of stem cells in the CB and the generation of new genetically modified mouse models, put us in a leading position to elucidate the molecular bases of acute O2 sensing and their biomedical implications.

Keywords: oxygen sensing,arterial chemoreceptors,hypoxia,carotid body,adrenal medulla,cell physiology,carotid body stem cells,hypoxemia,neurogenesis
What Holds Cancer Cells Back? (HoldCancerBack)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Condensed matter physics
Panel description: Structure, electronic properties, fluids, nanosciences, biological physics
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2016-ADG, 2016)
Start date: 2017-08-01
End date: 2023-04-30
Duration (months): 69.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2379250.0
EU funding (EUR): 2379250.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Since decades the bulk of cancer research focusses on the genetic and molecular level. To complement this knowledge, I will focus on the collective behaviour of cancer cells in cell clusters and in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Conventional cancer research tackles issues like genetic changes, signalling pathways or intracellular mechanisms, I want to answer the question: When is a cancer cell jammed or when can it overcome the yield stress to actively “flow” in a dense microenvironment (ME)? I have brought forward the basic idea within the concept of Physics of Cancer that changes in a cancer cell’s material properties determine its metastatic potential. As follows I propose the next breakthrough by determining a predictive phase diagram for unjamming transitions of cancer cells. Cancer cell jamming is quantified by cell speed as a measure of the motile forces and by cellular shape to account for the interplay between cell contractility and adhesion. Our self-propelled Voronoi model (SPV) will explain whether a cell is jammed by its neighbours or the ECM, overcoming the limitations of existing theories which only apply to specific environments. Building on my leadership in cell biomechanics and the exclusive access to two types of carcinomas (mamma, cervix), I will introduce highly innovative bionic modulators of intracellular mechanics and develop live cancer cell tracking in biopsies as a ground-breaking alternative to vital imaging. While these approaches are perfect to prove that unjamming transitions are key to tumour progression, I will investigate to what extent fluid, i.e. unjammed, tissue behaviour can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging elastography (MRE) as an individual predictive marker for metastasis. Moreover the results may guide surgeons when concerning the local spreading of cancer and thus greatly empower surgery in tumour therapies.

Keywords: physical oncology,physics of cancer
Stress as a modifier of atherosclerosis - Novel mechanistic insights and therapeutic avenues - (STRATO)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases
Panel description: Medical technologies and tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, therapeutic approaches and interventions, pharmacology, preventative medicine, epidemiology and public health, digital medicine
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2017-STG, 2017)
Start date: 2018-02-01
End date: 2024-01-31
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1477680.0
EU funding (EUR): 1477680.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Atherosclerosis and its complications such as acute coronary syndromes (myocardial infarction and unstable angina) are leading causes of death in the EU and worldwide. Mental stress is known to be a major trigger for the onset of acute coronary syndromes, even in patients with state-of-the-art medical treatment. How acute mental stress rapidly drives plaque destabilization causing acute coronary syndromes is poorly understood and consequently specific treatment, although urgently needed, is lacking. Mental stress is known to affect the immune system. Leukocytes, the effector cells of the immune system, are main instigators not only of plaque progression, but also of plaque destabilization. We hypothesize that acute mental stress rapidly aggravates plaque inflammation, which renders plaques more vulnerable and prone to rupture. We aim to characterize the impact of stress on plaque inflammation in a mouse model of acute mental stress. We will explore the mechanisms by which acute mental stress drives plaque inflammation. Based on these findings, we aim to provide a novel treatment approach to mitigate stress exacerbated plaque inflammation. Further, we aim to translate our findings to stressed humans. The STRATO study will be carried out in a multidisciplinary approach including basic and clinician scientists, immunologists, and psychosomatic specialists and will provide us with an unprecedented, comprehensive picture of how acute mental stress aggravates atherosclerosis. Our study will fill a gap in mechanistic knowledge and based on this will identify novel therapeutic measures with the aim to reduce acute mental stress related cardiovascular complications.

Keywords: atherosclerosis,mental stress,inflammation,innate immunity,macrophages,monocytes
Photocatalysis in Drug Discovery - Asymmetric Preparation of Bioactive Chiral Lactones and Cyclohexanols (PHOTO-CYCLE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Standard European Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Chemistry
Countries involved: Spain
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-03-01
End date: 2022-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 160932.48
EU funding (EUR): 160932.48
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We are in a changing era for drug discovery: the growing perception is that basic chemical research will play a greater role in pharmaceutical development. One current challenge is to develop a new kind of chemistry that yields a screening collection of optimal chiral molecules that increase the probability of success in identifying drug-candidate structures. PHOTO-CYCLE seeks to provide some solutions by developing effective technology to rapidly generate, in one single step, architecturally complex chiral natural-like compounds. Specifically, we will use photochemical organocatalytic cascade processes to synthesise polycyclic lactones and polyfunctionalized cyclohexanols, which are common motifs in biologically active molecules. We will combine asymmetric organocatalysis and photochemistry, two powerful strategies of modern chemical research. They have extraordinary potential for the sustainable preparation of novel organic molecules, which are needed to drive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. PHOTO-CYCLE aims to combine the fellow’s experience in allene chemistry and organocatalysis and the host’s experience in photo-triggered asymmetric processes to develop otherwise unachievable catalytic asymmetric cascade reactions. Specifically, we will focus on the rich reactivity of excited chiral iminium ions to activate readily available allenes and trigger cascade processes. The resulting strategies will be used as an ideal platform for assembling libraries comprising chiral polycyclic lactones and cyclohexanols, which, along with biological screening carried out in collaboration with Lundbeck A/S, will increase the probability of success in identifying drug-candidate structures. The multi-cultural and intersectorial nature of this project will greatly contribute to broaden the fellow’s competencies and will place him in a competitive position for the next career move.

Keywords: asymmetric catalysis,organocatalysis,photochemistry,radical chemistry,cascade processes,domino reactions,heterocycles,iminium ion,allenes
A breakthrough high resolution, real-time, industrial molecular analyser for advanced process control and energy optimization (SRSensor)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Innovation in SMEs
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Israel
Call: SME instrument (H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-2, 2019)
Start date: 2019-05-01
End date: 2022-10-31
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2555260.0
EU funding (EUR): 1788682.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SUSPENDED

Existing industrial process analysis procedures demand large quantities of energy and expensive resources as a result of ineffective and insensitive equipment. optiQGain after analysing the existing Scattered Raman Specroscopy (SRS) technologies in the fields of academia and research decided to create the SRSensor; a break-through, real-time, lightweight, cost effective, IoT based, on-site system for high resolution commercial molecular level analysis. The SRSensor, comprised of a range of probes and a main CPU unit, utilises a SRS spectrophotometer which produces a high resolution Raman spectrum in 0.1 seconds. The data is then transferred via fiber optic cables to the main CPU for data processing and presentation to the engineer or process manager. The highly accurate molecular analysis results can be adopted in a vast range of process analysis fields to optimise industrial processes, offer high resource efficiency, and huge cost savings resulting from lower maintenance costs and potential avoidance of unexpected engine, turbine, and generator failure. optiQgain will initially target Natural Gas and Biogas processing plants, turbines and gas transporting grid (pipelines), where industry demand and potential savings are substantial since many players in this industry are actively seeking new innovative technologies for sustainable success, as part of the intensively evolving Industrial I.o.T revolution. Within the overall innovation project, optiQgain aims to upgrade subcomponents of the sensor and finalise the industrial design of the SRSensor system for improved accuracy; transfer the production to a secured third party contract manufacture; optimise the process for adoption in Natural Gas and Biogas plants and gas turbines and pipelines; perform a quality demonstration and validation of the SRS technology at different site locations and develop a sound commercialisation and market strategy.

Keywords: stimulated raman scattering,industrial processes,molecular analysis,internet of things,electrptics,energy savings,process optimisation