Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Glioma Genesis (GLIOMAGENESIS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2012-11-01
End date: 2016-10-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of glioma, the most common primary brain cancer in adults. GBM is highly resistant to standard radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments and thus represents a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although many genetic alterations have been identified for GBM, its histogenesis is still poorly understood. The relative contribution of each genetic alteration and their downstream effects, as well as the sequence of molecular and cellular events required for tumor formation, are not well known. My group is interested in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the formation of high-grade gliomas such as GBM. My previous work has identified the transcriptional regulator Id4 as a factor that inhibits tumor growth and antagonizes the tumorigenic effects of Olig2, a key regulator of GBM development. However, Id4 has also been shown to drive tumorigenesis. In my first objective (Aim 1), I propose to clarify the role of Id4 in gliomagenesis. Using genetically defined mouse models of glioma and primary GBM cultures, I will test whether Id4 function varies depending on the cellular and molecular context of the cell of origin. In my second objective (Aim 2), I propose to characterize the successive stages leading from the transformation of cells of origin to tumor development, and the individual and combined contributions of defined genetic alterations. I will use a mouse glioma model in which one can label, in a time- and cell type-specific manner, neural cells in which defined genetic alterations are introduced. The proposed project will better define how the genetic and cellular contexts can influence the function of a transcriptional regulator, such as Id4, in gliomagenesis. In addition, the project will give further insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the formation of GBM, which will lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets.

Keywords: l312 stem cell biology,l307 cell signalling and cellular interactions,l406 cancer and its biological basis,l811 genetic engineering - transgenic organisms,l502 molecular and cellular neuroscience
GRAVITATIONAL WAVE DETECTORS LOW-FREQUENCY TECHNOLOGY TEST BED (GRLOW)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2012-09-01
End date: 2015-09-29
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Gravitational waves are a prediction of Albert Einstein's Theory of General Relativity, which have not been directly detected to date. Current on-ground gravitational wave detectors, like LIGO, VIRGO and GEO600, are limited at low frequencies due to seismic noise and human activity. These instruments are currently being upgraded, at the same time that the European Space Agency is currently in the final integration phase of the first mission to test gravitational wave detection technologies in space, LISA Pathfinder, with expected launch in 2014. In this framework, we propose a facility to test technologies and materials for gravitational wave detection in space. The proposed set-up is composed by a very high-precision (10^(-6) K/sqrt(Hz)) thermally controlled vacuum tank which allows to suppress environment fluctuations in the low frequency regime, i.e. down to 0.1 mHz. Inside the tank, an interferometer with picometer sensitivity will allow the characterization of materials used in space applications (like Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastics or Silicon Carbide) and opto-electronics equipment (like photodiodes or optical fibres) in a high stability environment. The proposed facility will be able not only to screen the environmental fluctuations but to generate controlled perturbations to characterize the samples in a measuring bandwidth relevant for space applications. The technologies to be tested in this low-frequency test bed are of wide application in space technology. In particular, spacecraft-to-spacecraft interferometry concepts are currently being considered for geodesy missions, as in the case of the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) follow-on missions, which share similar low-frequency and high-precision requirements as the gravitational wave detection missions. The proposed test bed can thus be considered a transversal test facility for space-related technologies.

Keywords: astronomy,gravitational waves,lisa,laser interferometry,thermal control,space technology
Chromosome segregation during meiosis (MEIOSIS2012)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Slovakia
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Sexual reproduction depends on the generation of haploid gametes from diploid progenitor cells in a process called meiosis. Although we understand certain aspects of meiosis, some of the key regulators of meiotic chromosome segregation are still missing and only now we do have tools to systematically identify these proteins and to determine their function. In this project, we want to screen the recently released S. pombe knock-out collection to identify mutants missegregating chromosomes during meisosis. Our priority will be to characterize mutants defective in mono-orientation of sister kinetochores during the first meiotic division, as this is the least understood aspect of meiotic chromosome segregation. The fission yeast S. pombe is an excellent model organism for such studies due to the fact that S. pombe kinetochores, like those of most eukaryotic cells, are associated with multiple microtubules. Moreover, it is amenable to both genetic and cell biology techniques and highly synchronous meiosis can be induced. In order to understand the function of identified proteins, we will combine genetic, biochemial and cell biology techniques. We believe that it is important to understand mechanisms governing meiotic chromosome segregation. Meiosis is not only a fundamental and fascinating process, it is also vital to fertility and human health. Defects in chromosome segregation during meiosis are the major cause of miscarriages, birth defects, infertility and genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome. The potential benefits of thorough understanding of chromosome segregation during meiosis are impressive. They could reveal much about the mechanism of gamete development and sexual reproduction with implications for diagnostics and treatment of infertility, certain cancers and genetic diseases.

Keywords: chromosome segregation,meiosis,fission yeast
Innovative tools for the study of high-energy transients (HETRANSIENTS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 50000.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The most energetic phenomena in the Universe, also display extreme temporal variability. Classical astronomical observing techniques are not enough to study this kind of sources. High time-resolution and multiwavelength observations are needed to comprehend the physics involved. In this project we propose new tools to improve our understanding of these sources. The project will be both scientific and technological: We will study extreme astrophysical phenomena using leading edge multi-wavelength methods while using our experience to develop new instrumentation and techniques to go one step further. Our project will improve our understanding of transients detected by high-energy satellites, paying especial attention to gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and magnetars. We will perform multiwavelength modelling based on data from our ongoing observing proposals in major observatories, in radio, millimeter/submillimeter, infrared, and optical. In order to understand the global characteristics of these events we will perform statistical studies with large data samples. For this we will construct specific databases following virtual observatory (VO) protocols: A database with all the published data of GRB afterglows in the millimetre/submillimeter range and another one with optical/nIR spectroscopic observations of GRB afterglows. On the technological side, we will develop software tools for the analysis of data including spectral line fitting and broadband modelling of GRB afterglows. Finally we will explore innovative observing techniques, based on high time-resolution plenoptic photon-counting cameras. Plenoptic cameras have the capacity to collect information not only on the intensity of light arriving to every pixel, but also the direction in which the rays of light arrive. Combined with photon-counting techniques, this technology will allow us to correct the wavefront of the arriving light and provide both high temporal-resolution with high spatial-resolution.

Keywords: p301 astronomy - astrophysics and cosmology,p111 relativity,p304 spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques,g102 database management
Ion Transport at atomic level (ITRANS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Portugal
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2012-08-01
End date: 2015-01-31
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 62500.0
EU funding (EUR): 62500.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cell membranes provide compartmentalization and allow cells to keep their physical-chemistry balance. Ion transport across cell membranes is vital for life, establishing and maintaining a difference of electrochemical potential. From the biosynthesis of energy to the transport of solutes, ion transport is central to the energy transduction process. One of key players in the energy transduction process is the respiratory Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase. This membrane domain of Complex I has three homologous antiporter subunits where the proton channels are proposed to be located. Recently, new results indicate that Complex I from different bacteria are also able to transport H+ and Na+ in opposite directions. This data prompt the debate on the atomic mechanism behind such antiporter subunits and how such process can be regulated. The aim of this project is to provide the missing piece of behind the antiporter subunits puzzling mechanism. To approach such task two objectives have been draw: a) decipher the mechanism of ion transport of the antiporter subunits of Complex I at atomic level, b) unravel the how the regulation and control of ion transport is performed in Complex I antiporter subunits To pursue these objectives a novel sample preparation methodology to perform NMR spectroscopy of membrane proteins will be setup. This experimental setup will combine recent advances in cell-free expression system of membrane proteins with nanodisc technology, providing the antiporter subunits a native membrane like environment to perform solution NMR.To follow ion transport, the antiporter subunits will be selectively isotopic labelled and the NMR spectra will be monitored for changes upon ion transport. These changes will provide a map of the ion channel in the antiporter subunits and how this transport is regulated.

Keywords: l107 structural biology,l106 biophysics,c143 protein chemistry
Development and demonstration of flexible multifunctional ETFE module for architectural façade lighting. (ETFE-MFM)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Energy
Destination: Renewable electricity generation
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Spain,Spain,Belgium,Spain,Germany,Germany
Call:  (FP7-ENERGY-2012-2, 2012)
Start date: 2013-12-01
End date: 2017-11-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3152665.55
EU funding (EUR): 2085616.0
Participants: 7
Project status: CLOSED

The overall objective of the ETFE-MFM Proposal is the development, evaluation and demonstration of a flexible multifunctional ETFE module for architectural façade lighting. The aim of this proposal is to provide a PV module with embedded additional functionalities designed to be used in ETFE textile architecture for BIPV applications. ETFE-MFM concept is based on the integration of different technologies creating a self-contained building element formed by: ETFE architecture, photovoltaic (PV) technology, illumination devices and flexible integrated circuits (IC). This new concept of multifunctional PV module will be able to work as a stand-alone or grid connected system. The solar energy supplied to the lighting devices will open new architectural façade lighting possibilities due to saving cost in the high energetic demand requested by this type of devices. The basic idea behind the development of ETFE-MFM is to enhance the use of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) elements in construction industry, as well as to provide new architectural façade lighting possibilities. The ETFE-MFM basic principles represent relevant innovative elements which are based on the combination of: - A novel attractive textile architecture based on ETFE as building material. The physical characteristics of ETFE allow construction cost savings by reducing greatly the weight of the structure whilst providing the same or even higher level of stability. - PV device, which acts as an electrical generator and shading during daylight, and supply the energy requested by the façade lighting devices at night, reducing the overall energy costs of the building. - Illumination devices, based on LED-RGB and OLED technologies, embedded on the module. - Flexible IC, which acts as individual module control of the PV device, providing the maximum power point (MPP) of the cells, as well as the control of the LED devices through wireless technology.
Mesocorticolimbic System: functional anatomy, drug-evoked synaptic plasticity & behavioral correlates of Synaptic Inhibition (MESSI)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Neurosciences and neural disorders
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120314, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2019-02-28
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2499506.0
EU funding (EUR): 2499506.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The mesocorticolimbic (MCL) system, extending from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, comprises a dopamine (DA) projection implicated in reinforcement learning. The MCL system is the target of addictive substances and of drug-evoked synaptic plasticity, a cellular mechanism that may underlie the adaptive, pathological behaviors that occur after repeated drug exposure. While most previous work has focused on excitatory transmission, recent studies suggest that inhibitory transmission may play a crucial role in mediating specific functions of the MCL system. However the identity of the inhibitory synapses and circuits and the plasticity mechanisms underlying these forms of normal and pathological learning remain elusive. We hypothesize that distinct inhibitory circuits in the MCL system mediate specific behaviors and that adaptive synaptic plasticity of these circuits are fundamental to both normal reward learning and addictive behaviors. We will test this hypothesis using optogenetic projection targeting to characterize specific inhibitory projections, to selectively change the activity of these neurons in freely behaving animals to explore their behavioral relevance, and to identify precise circuit changes that underlie behavioral alterations after drug exposure. Taken together, the experiments we propose will not only identify the specific circuits and basic role of inhibition in mediating reward-related behaviors, but will allow us to understand how the alteration of these circuits after drugs can result in pathological behavior. Ultimately, our results will establish the importance of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the MCL system, are likely to fundamentally change current views of this important modulatory system, and will allow us to design strategies to interfere with drug-evoked synaptic plasticity to revert addictive behavior.

Keywords: addiction,cocaine,synaptic plasticity
The Paradox of Sulfur Bacteria in Soda Lakes (PARASOL)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Evolutionary, population and environmental biology
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120314, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-01
End date: 2018-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2242000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2242000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Soda lakes are extreme environments with pH values between 9 and 11, and salt concentrations up to saturation. Despite these hostile conditions, most soda lakes are highly productive and harbor diverse microbial communities responsible for the cycling of chemical elements. The sulfur cycle, driven by haloalkaliphilic sulfur oxidizing bacteria and sulfidogenic bacteria, is one of the most active element cycles in soda lakes. In general, extreme environments are characterized by a low diversity of life. However, we have isolated more than 100 strains of sulfur bacteria from different soda lakes worldwide and detected additional uncultured diversity using molecular techniques. Because life at high salinities and high pH is extremely energy demanding, the enormous diversity of sulfur bacteria in this extreme habitat is a great paradox. The overall goal of the project is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and ecophysiology of sulfur bacteria in soda lakes, their niche differentiation, and the molecular mechanisms by which they adapt to extreme halo-alkaline conditions. To achieve this goal, the sulfur bacteria will be studied at the molecular, population and community level, and with a systems biology approach, combining incubation experiments under well-defined conditions, state-of-the-art ‘omics’ techniques, and mathematical modeling. This project will unravel the paradox of the sulfur bacteria in soda lakes, which is not only important for a comprehensive understanding of the success of life under extreme conditions, but also for the use of these bacteria in the sustainable removal of noxious sulfur compounds from our waste streams, which is essential for a clean and healthy environment.

Keywords: resource competition,metabolic modeling,meta-omics,microbial diversity,pangenome,sulfidogens,sulfur-oxidizing bacteria,systems biology
The role of de novo evolution in the emergence of new genes (NEWGENES)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Evolutionary, population and environmental biology
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120314, 2012)
Start date: 2013-02-01
End date: 2018-01-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2493600.0
EU funding (EUR): 2493600.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Gene evolution has long been thought to be driven primarily by duplication or transposition mechanisms, followed by divergence of the duplicated copy. However, every evolutionary lineage harbours also so-called orphan genes, which have no homologues in other evolutionary lineages i.e. which do not appear to have arisen via gene duplication mechanisms, or have diverged to a point where their origins can not be traced anymore. Orphan genes are generally thought to be important drivers of taxon specific adaptations and interactions with the environment. New insights from comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis suggests now that orphan genes could indeed be created through de novo evolution and it is becoming increasingly clear that this mechanism might occur at high rates, which would provide a continuous source of material for new gene functions. However, only initial evidence is available for this so far and little is known about the evolutionary dynamics and mechanisms of de novo gene emergence. The present proposal will use experimental and functional approaches to study the role and the evolutionary potential of the emergence of completely new genes from random sequences. This will open up new perspectives in understanding the evolution of genomes and the molecular mechanisms of adaptation.

Keywords: evolution of new gene function
Systemic signalling in plant – aphid interactions (SYSA)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-06-01
End date: 2013-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 271136.8
EU funding (EUR): 271136.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

While the effects of aphid feeding on leaves are well documented, the influence that the presence of aphids has on distant leaves that are not directly subject to attack is poorly documented and associated systemic signalling pathways are not understood. This proposal therefore seeks to characterize systemic signalling pathways that are specific to aphid feeding in Arabidopsis thaliana and potato to determine how they alter aphid fecundity. Local and systemic responses in gene transcription will be compared, with specific focus on reduction-oxidation (redox) signalling networks and responses. Arabidopsis mutants with defects in the accumulation of the antioxidant, vitamin C and in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox processes, which have alterations in defence to pathogens will be characterized to assess the roles of antioxidants and antioxidants in the plant – aphid interaction. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the third most important food crop in the world but the value of the crop can be greatly decreased as a result of aphid-borne viruses. The aim of the fellowship is to reorient the career path of an experienced researcher in order to broaden her career prospects in line with the needs of the future knowledge-based bio-economy of Europe

Keywords: systemic signalling pathways,aphid,reactive oxygen species,vitamin c,aphid-borne viruses,potato,gene transcription,reduction-oxidation