Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Functional DNA-based nanomaterials using metal-mediated self-assembly processes (FUNDNAMAT)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-07-10
End date: 2014-07-09
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This research project will focus on the development of conducting molecular architectures using self-assembly processes between specific DNA sequences and metal ions-derivatives. The concept is to use the interaction of specific metal ions towards precise DNA nucleobases. Novel synthetic metal complexes will be prepared carrying specific functional units capable of directing the formation of conducting polymers. These metal complexes will be organized at the nanoscale by interaction with particular DNA base-sequences through self-assembly processes. The project will also involve the preparation of complex DNA-based nanomaterial structures through a novel route which extends upon the well-established DNA origami concept using the unique properties of metal ions and their specificity to form metal-mediated DNA duplexes. The self-assembly properties of DNA and specific metal-ions will be explored for the construction of complex nanoscale architectures. Importantly, the original methodology proposed will be also employed for the incorporation of further functionality into DNA-based nanomaterials, since the properties of the metal-complexes can be tailored with different functional groups. Established synthetic methodologies will used for the synthesis of the metal-precursor compounds and these will be characterised using standard techniques to set up structural details, e.g. NMR, elemental analysis, ionized electrospray mass spectroscopy LC(IES-MS), spectroscopic (FTIR, UV-vis). The formation of conducting polymer nanomaterial will involve chemical oxidation or metal-coordination of the organized units along the DNA molecules. The resulting materials will be characterised using a range of spectroscopy techniques (FTIR, CD, UV-vis) as well as state-of-the-art scanning probe microscopy (AFM, EFM, STM). Finally, the conducting properties of the materials will be examined using a combination of 2-electrode devices and scanning probe methods.

Keywords: inorganic chemistry,dna,nanotechnology,self-assembly,polymer chemistry,biomolecules
A new model for study relationship between pluripotency and tumorogenesis: molecular insights from basal chordates (PLURIPOTENCY)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-03-01
End date: 2015-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The potential formation of teratoma/teratocarcinoma from pluripotent stem cells represents one the main obstacles to safe use stem cell-based regenerative therapy. The gene network that regulates the stem cell tumoreginicity is still largely unknown. In this study we use as model the chordate Botryllus schlosseri (Ascidiacea), wherein through a process known as vascular budding, an adult is regenerated from pluripotent cells in a sequence of morphologically abnormal developmental stages which pass through a teratoma structure. The teratoma maintains a population of cells that preserve their pluripotency and eventually re-gain positional identity and differentiate “correctly” into a functional body. In this proposed project we take advantage of this in vivo phenomenon to explore the molecular bases regulating the equilibrium between pluripotency and tumorigenicity. We propose two complementary approaches: (1) To undertake unbiased high-throughout gene screening in order to define the trascriptome implicated in the vascular budding (2) to target candidate genes involved in endomesoderm specification and characterize their spatio-temporal patterns of expression and test their functions.

Keywords: natural sciences,regeneration,stem cells,cancer,ascidians
Polymer / metal nanoparticles composites with enhanced non-linear optical properties (COMPONLO)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Greece
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-03-01
End date: 2014-02-28
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The boost development of pioneering optoelectronic devices creates the need for powerful non-linear optical materials. Recently, the combination of metal nanoparticles with carefully designed polymers pointed out that it is possible to create composite materials with orders of magnitudes enhanced non-linear optical activity. However, no systematic studies yet exist on the parameters that influence the composite’s non-linear optical properties yet. In the presented project, the systematic study of those parameters is proposed. The implementation of the proposal involves the synthesis of well-designed polymers and metal nanoparticles as well as their combination in the form of thin films with the desired structural characteristics. Subsequently, the non-linear optical properties of the films will be measured and the results will be interpreted under the prism of the films’ structural characteristics. A number of parameters is proposed to be elucidated, such as metal nanoparticles concentration, disposition and surface plasmon resonance, interaction between polymer and nanoparticles, film thickness, etc. The outcome of the project is expected to establish certain guidelines for the design of effective non-linear optical materials, suitable for advanced technologies.

Keywords: polymer chemistry,chemical physics,optical and dielectric properties,soft matter and polymer physics,polymer technology,nanosystems,non linear optical properties,second harmonic generation
Genetic predictors of brain responses underlying social behavior and implications for oxytocin treatment (OXYGENE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-16
End date: 2016-01-15
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Oxytocin (OXT) and dopamine (DA) can mediate social behavior in multiple species. Despite social behavior shows a strong genetic component, the genes underlying this heritability remain unknown. The central hypothesis of this proposal, based on preliminary data is that genetic variation in dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) modulates social behavior. The goal of this study is to tease out direct effects genetic variants of DRD2 and its interaction with OXT pathway on brain structure, function and social behavior. The applicant plans to test this hyphotesis at the Italian Institute of Technology in collaboration with two departments of the National Institutes of Health (USA), from where he returns by pursuing the following aims: 1) To characterize the effects of DRD2 polymorphisms on brain structure and function underlying social behavior; 2) To evaluate the impact of an interaction between DRD2 and OXTR polymorphism on brain structure and function underlying social behavior; 3) To determine modulatory effects of genetic variation in DRD2 on exogenous Oxytocin administration. We will use an association approach to identify the gene effects on neuroimaging phenotypes (structural and functional) underlying social behavior. Furthermore, we will perform a double-blind placebo –controlled multimodal pharmaco-genomics imaging trial of oxytocin to test the effects of DRD2 on the response to this drug. This collaborative project is expected to provide greater knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying social behavior and to identify predictors of response to oxytocin treatment. The accomplishment of this proposal is important for elucidating pathophysiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders as well as to contribute to the improvement of the quality of European research and to the transfer of knowledge acquired by the fellow at the NIH.

Keywords: neurophysiology,genetics,social behavior,magnetic resonance imaging,single nucleotide polymorphism,oxytocin,dopamine d2 receptors
Design, analysis and applications of novel information processing paradigms for multimedia transmission in next generation wireless networks (MMCODESTREAM)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Serbia
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-06-01
End date: 2014-05-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Communicating multimedia content such as high-quality images, audio or video streams became a part of everyday life both for the purpose of business and entertainment. As user mobility and need for multimedia content available anytime and anywhere increases, multimedia applications such as video streaming, mobile TV, video-conferencing, multimedia peer-to-peer networking, social networking with multimedia content, interactive gaming, etc., are becoming a major bandwidth consumer on small, handheld, mobile devices and are indicated in many recent studies as a major driving factor for the next generation mobile broadband technologies. This is evident both in the user equipment such as smart phones, portable digital assistants and tablets, for which the screen size and resolution is ever-increasing and constrained only with the comfort of the device usage, as well as in the development of the fourth generation high-speed wireless data interfaces such as Mobile WiMax (IEEE 802.16e-2009) and 3GPP LTE-Advanced that aim to provide sufficient data rates for comfortable high-quality mobile multimedia services. Recently introduced groundbreaking information-processing paradigm called network coding opens a novel set of possibilities for improvements of network performance in terms of throughput, reliability and delay. However, even though it usually provides more bandwidth, a number of problems arise in successful integration of network coding principles into multimedia communications in current wireless communication systems. This proposal aims to address the problem of design of efficient network coding schemes for scalable multimedia delivery in wireless networks. The goal of this project is to provide both rigorous theoretical and realistic system-level investigation of network coded scalable multimedia transmission in emerging wireless broadband systems.

Keywords: communication engineering,multimedia communications,wireless communications
Bioinformatic analysis of transcription regulation: a modeling approach (PROMOTER PREDICTIONS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Serbia
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-03-01
End date: 2015-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Transcription is both the first step and a major regulatory checkpoint in gene expression. Transcription start sites are locations in genome where RNA polymerase initiates transcription, while transcription binding sites are locations where transcription factors bind to regulate transcription. Knowledge of both transcription start sites, and transcription factor binding sites, is crucial for understanding transcription. However, methods for bioinformatic detection of these sites, which are mainly based on information theory, are typically characterized by low accuracy. Major underlying problems are: i) transcription initiation is a complex process that is characterized by both binding of RNA polymerase and opening of two DNA strands, ii) transcription factor binding sites usually have to be discovered/aligned within longer DNA fragments, which is often technically demanding and unreliable, iii) discovery of direct target genes of a transcription factor is complicated by random occurrence of binding sites that have high binding energy, but are not functional in regulating transcription. The main goal of our proposal is to develop bioinformatic methods for accurate detection of transcription signals. To address the above problems, we will use biophysical modeling to i) Develop a novel method for transcription start site detection in bacteria, which is based on explicit calculation of transcription initiation rates and takes into account both RNA polymerase binding and opening of two DNA strands, ii) Develop a method for inferring transcription factor-DNA interaction parameters directly from DNA fragments selected through high-throughput in-vitro selection experiments, iii) Develop a method for detection of target genes of a transcription factor, which detects an overrepresentation of binding energy distribution upstream of genes. We expect that these methods will significantly improve accuracy of analyzing transcription regulation.

Keywords: bioinformatics,computational biology,biophysics,transcription regulation,transcription factors,transcription start sites,promoters.
Studies in Probability Theory and Related Fields (SPTRF)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-05-01
End date: 2015-10-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposed project combines several studies in Probability Theory and its connections with Statistical Physics, Computer Science, Combinatorics and Approximation Theory. The first two studies aim to uncover the Gibbs-state structure of two statistical physics models in high dimensions - the anti-ferromagnetic 3-state Potts model and the hard-core model. These studies are intimately related to combinatorial questions of the rigidity of independent sets and proper 3-colorings in the high-dimensional cubic lattice. The third study aims to investigate the notion of independence sensitivity of a boolean function, a notion coming from computer science and error-correcting codes, in the context of complex statistical physics functions such as the percolation crossing function. In the fourth study we will investigate the existence and geometric properties of optimal allocations of mass in an infinite volume setting. This study continues recent developments on factor-map extensions of spatial processes. In the final study, we aim to use probabilistic and analytic tools to answer a long-standing question in approximation theory: how well can Lebesgue measure on the sphere be approximated by a prescribed number of point masses? These studies will significantly extend our understanding of probability theory and its related fields.

Keywords: probability theory,statistical physics,combinatorial analysis,mathematical physics,anti-ferromagnetic potts model,hard-core model,k-wise independence,equivariant allocations,spherical designs.
Stimuli Responsive Polymer Nanotubes by Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (SRPNICVD)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Türkiye
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

One dimensional nanotubular structures have a wide range of applications due to their unique physical and chemical properties that are different from the bulk materials. Metal and semiconductor nanotubes are being used as sensors, optoelectronic devices or transistors. Furthermore, polymeric nanotubes have great potential as biomedical devices due to the biocompatible nature of the polymers used. However, they are not as widely studied due to the difficulty of fabricating the nanotubular structures using common thin film deposition techniques. In this research, we propose to use initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (iCVD) to fabricate polymer nanotubes. iCVD technique has been shown to successfully deposit polymer thin films while keeping the chemical moieties of the monomers intact. Furthermore, the crosslinking density and the wall thickness of the nanotubes can easily be tuned using iCVD as opposed to other techniques, such as solution-based techniques where the polymer should be soluble. Our proposal aims to develop nanocarrier systems of polymer nanotubes for various potential applications. A wide range of stimuli responsive polymers (SRP) will be used to fabricate the nanotubes and the mechanical and response characteristics of these nanostructures as a function of crosslinking density will be explored. In the next stage, coaxial nanotubes with both layers made of SRPs will be fabricated and the effects of the interaction between the layers on the release mechanism will be studied. The results of these studies will help us better understand the dominant mechanisms during uptake and release and thus enable us to fabricate the nanocarriers according to the response desired. Furthermore, these nanotubes with improved performance will have significant impact as drug delivery systems or sensors.

Keywords: polymer chemistry,nanodevices,chemical engineering,instrumental techniques,surface chemistry,vacuum technology,chemical vapor deposition,polymer nanotubes,templates
Dissection of the senescence and mineral remobilization pathways in wheat (WHEAT SENESCENCE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-03-01
End date: 2015-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Nutrient remobilization from senescing tissues to developing grains is a tightly regulated process that affects the nutritional value of crops. We have recently shown the existence of a close connection between senescence and nutrient remobilization through the cloning of the wheat GPC (Grain Protein Content) gene. RNA interference (GPC-RNAi) plants showed delayed senescence and reduced grain mineral content by over 30%. The GPC gene is a NAC transcription factor involved in the early regulation of leaf-senescence and mineral remobilization to the grains. We propose to take a first step towards unraveling these processes by using GPC as an early entry-point to understand the regulatory network controlling senescence and consequently, the initial stages of nutrient remobilization. Our first objective is to study the individual contribution of the paralogous GPC-1 and GPC-2 genes to senescence and nutrient remobilization in wheat by field experiments. To accomplish this objective we have developed ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) mutant population and identified knockout mutants for each copy of these two genes. We hypothesize that these mutants will show delayed senescence ('ever-green') phenotype and might have an effect on grain yield. Our second objective is to identify and study the genes regulated by GPC-1 and GPC-2. We will validate a list of GPC-regulated genes previously identified by comparing the transcriptome of GPC-RNAi transgenic and its non-transgenic control line through massively parallel next generation sequencing (NGS) experiments. Selected GPC-regulated genes will be validated by quantitative PCR in the GPC mutants and transgenic wheat over-expressing GPC-1. The most promising candidates will be further investigated by generating new EMS mutants. The experiments proposed here will increase our understanding of the gene regulatory network that governs senescence and nutrient remobilization in wheat and the specific roles of the two GPC paralogues.

Keywords: nutrient remobilization,senescence,wheat,nac transcription factor,grain yield,grain protein content,zinc,iron,ems mutants,over-expression,field experiments,next generation sequencing.
Bacterial Symbiosis in Ascidians (SYMASC)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-04-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 87500.0
EU funding (EUR): 87500.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The study of invertebrate-microbial associations is emerging as a prominent field in marine biology and biotechnology, with vast implications that range from a fundamental knowledge of host ecology and symbiont biodiversity to the advanced understanding of natural products discovery and sustainable production. While considerable incentives exist to unravel the complex metabolic interactions between host invertebrates and symbiotic microbes, basic questions regarding the biodiversity and stability of these relationships remain unanswered. Here, I propose to advance our knowledge on the genetic diversity, spatio-temporal variability and functional significance of microbial symbionts in ascidians. First, I propose to characterize the diversity and host-specificity of ascidian-microbial symbioses by massively parallel 16S rRNA gene tag pyrosequencing and comparison of microbial community partitioning in ascidians at the inter- and intra-species levels. Secondly, I will describe the dynamics and fidelity of invertebrate-microbial relationships by documenting spatial and temporal fluctuations of bacterial and archaeal communities in ascidians, utilizing the sensitive DNA fingerprinting technique T-RFLP in conjunction with 16S rRNA gene libraries from pyrosequencing. Finally, I will provide the first assessment of the contribution of autotrophic and heterotrophic symbionts to host metabolism over time by quantifying the stress levels and reproductive success of the host. The multi-scale and interdisciplinary research approach suggested here will provide for the first holistic account of host-symbiont interactions between ascidians and microbes.

Keywords: biodiversity characterisation,bacteriology,ecological genetics,ascidian,symbiosis,microbial diversity,host-specificity,pyrosequencing,t-rflp,tunicates,sea squirt