Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Consequences of Demographic Change (CODEC)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Individuals, institutions and markets
Countries involved: Italy
Call:  (ERC-2007-StG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-07-01
End date: 2013-06-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 750000.0
EU funding (EUR): 750000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The project will be using the Gender and Generations Surveys (GGS) – a system of comparable micro-level surveys for several Developed countries – to analyse the consequences of demographic change. The analysis will be using households and individuals as the unit of observation. As a result, we will be able to make inferences about how certain demographic behaviours (i.e. childbearing, marital disruption, single motherhood, leaving home), including their timing and sequencing, affect certain outcomes, such as income, poverty, deprivation, together with various child outcomes. This analysis is particularly relevant given recent demographic trends in developed countries (e.g. divorce rates are increasing, out-of-wedlock childbearing is becoming more prevalent, and general delay in key demographic events such as childbearing and leaving the parental home). The novelty of the study is driven by its focus on consequences of newly emerging demographic patterns and behaviour, which is in contrast to the majority of previous demographic studies – which has tended to focus on the determinants behind these trends. Policy analysis has not had a strong tradition in Demography and the aim of this project is to rectify this shortcoming of the discipline. By focusing on the consequences of demographic change and using techniques that are borrowed from program evaluation, econometrics, applied statistics and empirical sociology, we aim to advance the understanding of how demographic events impact other important processes in the life course of individuals and how policy makers can best influence such outcomes by appropriate policy interventions.

Keywords: demographic change,gender and generations surveys,consequences,econometrics,longitudinal data,public policy
Structural analysis of the CSA binding interactions involved during pregnancy associated malaria (PREMALSTRUCT)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: France,Italy,Denmark,Germany,Netherlands,Germany
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-02-01
End date: 2011-07-31
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3212892.8
EU funding (EUR): 2309721.0
Participants: 7
Project status: CLOSED

Adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (PE) to placental chondroitin-4-sulfate (CSA) has been linked to the severe disease outcome of pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM). After multiple pregnancies, women acquire protective antibodies that block CSA-binding and cross-react with geographically diverse placental isolates suggesting that surface molecule(s) expressed by PAM-infected erythrocytes have conserved epitopes and that a PAM vaccine may be possible. Recent evidence strongly suggests that var2CSA, a member of the P. falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family, may have an important role in PAM and immunity. Although var2CSA and to some extent var1CSA are the main candidates for a pregnancy malaria vaccine, experimental evidence implies that antigenic polymorphism and the lack of a small animal in vivo experimental model may pose a challenge for vaccine development. To date, efforts to develop a truly prophylactic PAM vaccine have been hindered by the difficulty in identifying immunogens that elicit broadly neutralizing and adhesion-blocking antibodies. Accordingly, a small number of highly specialized and experienced malaria research groups from Europe (6 groups) and endemic countries (2 groups) have decided to give highest priority to decipher the molecular basis for the CSA binding to the parasite ligands in order to define the common features within the different CSA-binding domains and the cross-reactive epitopes that are likely to be the targets of natural protective antibodies. This knowledge will not only be very helpful in the design of novel PfEMP1-CSA based antigens capable of inducing broad and potent neutralising antibodies to a wide variety of strains, but also to identify molecules with inhibitory capacity that could be considered for therapeutic strategies as anti-adhesive drugs.

Keywords: pregnancy malaria plasmodium chondroitin csa dbl interaction structure crystallography
Inhibiting Nef: a novel drug target for HIV-host interactions (INEF)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Belgium,Germany,Finland,France,Germany,France,Belgium,Canada
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-01-01
End date: 2011-06-30
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3262293.84
EU funding (EUR): 2470540.0
Participants: 9
Project status: CLOSED

Although HIV-1 Nef was originally named &quot;negative factor,&quot; it has been shown to be critical for efficient persistance of HIV-1 infected humans thus playing a major role in the progression to AIDS. Remarkably; until now Nef has not been evaluated as an antiretroviral drug target. It is well established that Nef promotes HIV-1 replication and facilitates viral immune evasion by interacting with various host factors. Disrupting these essential interactions may delay or even prevent disease progression. Partners in this consortium have already identified small molecule inhibitors targeting Nef function. The first objective of this project is therefore to validate the molecular events elicited by these molecules in both virus-free as well as in HIV infection in vitro assays. In a complementing approach, small compound libraries already available to the consortium will be used and adapted to screen for inhibitors of Nef induced modulation of cellular receptors, NFAT activation and the Nef SH3 binding domain, that likely contribute to the importance of Nef in HIV-1 pathogenicity. In addition, functional screenings to discover drugable cellular Nef partners using RNA interference libraries will be performed. After validation of their importance in relation to the established host proteins co-interacting in the Nef cellular pathways, a selection will be additionally targeted by the developed small molecule inhibitors. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a complementary portfolio of candidate drugs that target the most important parameters in the Nef-host interaction pathway. Critical cellular interaction partners are much more conserved than viral enzymes that are usually targeted in highly-active-antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Therefore, it is believed by the partners that the novel approach presented in this project proposal will yield compounds less likely to be subject to the occurrence of drug resistance

Keywords: nef,small molecule inhibitor
PROteomics SPECification in Time and Space (PROSPECTS)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Biotechnology, generic tools and medical technologies for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Germany,Switzerland,United Kingdom,Denmark,Germany,Spain,United Kingdom,Sweden,Israel,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-04-01
End date: 2013-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 16688081.12
EU funding (EUR): 11777491.0
Participants: 11
Project status: CLOSED

Proteomics is a major new field in biomedical research, which deals with the large-scale identification and characterization of large groups of proteins, or “proteomes”. These can either be the components of a subcellular organelle or compartment, or even the entire protein complement of whole cells and tissues. Proteomics is essential in the functional annotation of the genome and in future attempts to build a quantitative, ‘systems-based’ description of cell biology. However, current ‘first generation’ proteomics approaches largely measure protein complexes and proteomes as homogeneous and static entities with little or no quantitative annotation. PROSPECTS (PROteomics SPECification in Time and Space) is a proposal by world leaders in this young discipline to make a major advance, both by developing much more powerful instrumentation and by applying novel proteomics methods that will allow us to annotate quantitatively the human proteome with respect to protein localization and dynamics. Complementary technologies, including mass spectrometry, cyro-electron microscopy and cell imaging will be applied in innovative ways to capture transient protein complexes and the spatial and temporal dimensions of entire proteomes. We will develop these new proteomics technologies in a generic fashion to maximize their utility to the wider biomedical community and we will generate comprehensive data sets that will foster many downstream functional studies. Our approaches will also generate unique insights into the molecular basis of multiple forms of human disease, specifically neurodegeneration and other diseases related to folding stress. The multidimensional data sets generated in PROSPECTS will be integrated using advanced data aggregation and machine learning, made available to the scientific community via annotated online public databases and used as a basis for a systems biological modelling of the human proteome, with spatial and temporal resolution within the cell.

Keywords: ms based proteomics,protein complexes,single particle electron microscopy,fluorescence microscopy,neurodegenerative disease,systems biology,machine learining,modelling
An integrated concept of tumor metastasis: implications for therapy (TUMIC)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Germany,Switzerland,Netherlands,United Kingdom,Netherlands,Italy,Denmark,Belgium,France,Germany,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-04-01
End date: 2012-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4180192.6
EU funding (EUR): 2999185.0
Participants: 14
Project status: CLOSED

From many perspectives our concept of the process of metastasis is inadequate and needs to be revised. In particular, the potential impact of recent ideas about the cellular basis of tumor growth (cancer stem cells) and the establishment by remote tumors of special permissive microenvironments in target organs prior to metastasis (metastatic niches) remains to be explored. In the TuMIC project we will use novel experimental approaches to integrate these newly emerging principles and ideas with the different hypotheses that have until now tried to explain the process of metastasis. Specifically we aim to understand how cancer stem cells behave in and contribute to metastasis, and how networks and pathways that are known to regulate metastasis affect their properties. Further objects are to determine how a permissive microenvironment for metastasis formation is established in given organs, how this contributes to determining patterns of metatasis, and how these microenvironments interact with cancer stem cells. These studies will facilitate the development of an improved and more accurate concept about the process of metastasis. In turn, this will have fundamental ramifications for the way in which novel anti-cancer therapies are designed, and most importantly should provide important new insights into how cancer and in particular metastatic disease can be successfully treated. With this in mind we will also perform preclinical studies that build on TuMIC findings with the aim of developing novel anti-cancer therapies.

Keywords: metastasis,cancer stem cell,pre-metastatic niche,signal transduction,emt
NOVEL PREP1-DEPENDENT TRANSCRIPTIONAL NETWORKS IN THE CONTROL OF INSULIN SENSITIVITY (PREPOBEDIA)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Italy,Germany,Italy,Finland
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-01-01
End date: 2012-06-30
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3159629.0
EU funding (EUR): 2390983.0
Participants: 5
Project status: CLOSED

Type 2 diabets and obesity are related conditions representing major components of the metabolic syndrome and one of the most challenging health problems of this century, also because of their growing impact in childhood. Different studies have identified PPAR-gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1alpha) as a relevant type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene playing an important role in human obesity as well. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery that p160MBP (MybBindingProtein) serves as a PGC-1alpha inhibitor. More recently, we showed that p160MBP is controlled by the Prep1 gene. Prep1 hypomorphic mice feature increase sensitivity to insulin due to raised PGC-1 alpha and decreased p160MBP levels. These mice also exhibit decreased fat body mass. Indeed, we also identified Prep1 in genetic screenings in C. Elegans and mouse ,as a major gene involved in energy homeostasis and obesity. Importantly, we have preliminary data showing Prep1 overexpression in euglycemic first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetics, which are at very high risk of diabetes. This project aims at understanding how Prep1 gene controls insulin sensitivity and determines adipogenesis, obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. We will: 1: elucidate the molecular basis of Prep1 role in insulin sensitivity and adipogenesis through in vitro and animal model studies; 2: assess the significance of Prep1 function to insulin sensitivity in humans and the role of this gene in type 2 diabetes and its subphenotypes and in other components of the metabolic syndrome; 3: identify Prep1 target genes and establish their potential as targets for novel strategies to treat type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. To achieve these objectives we have built a multidisciplinary network and gathered experts in the Prep1/p160MBP signaling, type 2 diabetes and obesity molecular biology and genetics, human and mouse genetics and high throughput analysis of gene expression and identification of target genes.

Keywords: insulin resistance,metabolic syndrome,glucose tolerance,type-2 diabetes,prep1,p160 myb-binding-protein
Carbon nanohorn-based hybrid materials for energy conversion. Reinforcing and expanding the research potential of carbon-nanostructures laboratory to a regional and European kernel of excellence. (NANOHOST)

Framework: FP7 — Capacities
Programme: Research Potential
Destination: Unlocking and developing the Research Potential of research entities established in the EU�s Convergence regions and Outermost Regions
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Greece
Call:  (FP7-REGPOT-2007-1, 2007)
Start date: 2008-02-01
End date: 2011-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1523080.0
EU funding (EUR): 1079630.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The objective of NANOHOST project is the unlocking and developing of the research potential of the carbon-nanostructures laboratory (CNSLab), in the Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute (TPCI) at the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), in Athens, Greece. The scientific goal of NANOHOST is the experimental and theoretical investigation of a number of functionalized carbon nanostructures, and in particular nanohorns, selected according to their properties and expected technological applicability for energy conversion systems. In the NANOHOST project, a substantial reinforcement of CNSLab is proposed in terms of i) recruitment of experienced researchers, including possible repatriation of nationals, ii) exchange of know-how and experience through research visits between staff of CNSLab and that of prominent collaborating teams as well as by interaction with other scientists in the context of conferences and meetings, iii) acquisition/upgrade of research equipment, which will enable CNSLab to remain at the forefront of this very competitive area internationally and iv) strengthening of the status of CNSLab, nationally and internationally, through the organization of an international conference, through the promotion and exchange of ideas and knowledge as well as knowledge sharing by other dissemination activities. Such activities will include a website creation and operation and publications as well as participation in international conferences and workshops, popularization activities and public lectures. Thus, the NANOHOST project will enable CNSLab to remain a leader, internationally, in the area of carbon-based nanostructured materials. Furthermore, it will aid CNSLab in the effort to form a kernel in the currently developing scheme of a National Roadmap of Research Infrastructure, which is complementary to the European Road Map for Research Infrastructure as proposed by the European Strategic Forum for Research Infrastructure (ESFRI).

Keywords: reinforcement,promote,develop,recruitment,materials resources,dissemination activities,nanotechnology,energy
Social and ethical aspects of digital identities. Towards a value sensitive identity management (DIGIDEAS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Institutions, values, beliefs and behaviour
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2007-StG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-10-01
End date: 2014-05-31
Duration (months): 68.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1833000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1833000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Digital identity management concerns the control of digitized information pertaining to a person. This type of information is usually referred to as `personal data’, or ‘personally identifiable information’. With digitisation and automation processes pervading virtually all aspects and domains of society, the routine registration of personal identifiable data is increasing exponentially. The implied risks and challenges to fundamental rights like privacy and non-discrimination are recognized on the highest policy levels, but as of today still poorly understood or analyzed. In view of the fact that ‘identity’ is also a key concept in contemporary social theory, and conceptualisations of the relation between technology and society, ethics and normativity, a field of enquiry emerges at the crossroads of contemporary theoretical, technological and societal developments representing opportunities for frontier research. The overall aims of the project are to increase understanding of the social and ethical aspects of digital identity management (IDM), to further theorising the concept of identity, and to contribute to the quality and social/ethical acceptability of technological developments. The project will achieve these goals by bringing recent insights gained from several disciplines (science and technology studies, surveillance studies, social and technology philosophy, computer ethics) to bear on actual developments in digital identity management, thus exploring novel ways to identify and articulate the issues concerned. With a series of interdisciplinary studies focussing on different application areas of IDM, we intend to produce more fine-grained knowledge of the ways IDM is implicated in contemporary transformations of identity. The programme will involve three complementary PhD projects, and one integrative postdoc project, thus achieving a strong concentration of groundbreaking knowledge on a set of fast emerging intellectual and societal problems.

Keywords: digital identity,identification,emerging technologies,ethics,social aspects,surveillance,privacy,data protection
Multi-drug resistance in malaria under combination therapy: Assessment of specific markers and development of innovative, rapid and simple diagnostics. (MALACTRES)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Netherlands,United Kingdom,Belgium,Netherlands,Nigeria,Burkina Faso,Tanzania, United Republic of,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-01-01
End date: 2013-06-30
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3738056.04
EU funding (EUR): 2800358.0
Participants: 8
Project status: CLOSED

This project aims to assess specific P. falciparum genetic markers for resistance to artemisinin-based combinations (ACT), and to develop innovative, rapid and simple diagnostics for malaria and these markers. Specific objectives are: • To develop and evaluate in disease endemic countries accurate low-tech molecular diagnostic tests. • To identify alleles of candidate resistance genes associated with increased transmission success of P. falciparum after ACT treatment in completed clinical trials (endpoints at gametocyte or infected mosquito level). • To conduct ACT treatment trials with transmission endpoints, and measure impact of resistance-associated alleles on gametocyte emergence, and on the infectiousness of gametocyte-positive or randomly-selected treated individuals to Anopheles mosquitoes. • To measure ACT efficacy using in vivo treatment trials, and in vitro drug sensitivity testing of natural parasite isolates. The impact of candidate resistance markers will be measured in patients with treatment failure, and in parasites with reduced in vitro sensitivity. • To develop new low-tech diagnostic tools able to demonstrate the presence of mutations conferring drug resistance in the Plasmodium population, particularly those markers validated by the project. • To investigate commercial value aspects of developed tests. The project will move our knowledge of ACT resistance forward in 2 complementary ways: 1) In order to identify and validate genetic markers for ACT resistance, we will use our unprecedented access to parasites isolated both from ACT-treated individuals and from mosquitoes fed on blood from ACT-treated individuals. 2) we will develop and validate simple tests in new formats for detection of these and other markers of relevance, and for rapid detection of persisting parasites in treated patients. The work is a balanced mix of clinical field work, laboratory research and (commercial) test development and linked to EU initiative EDCTP.

Keywords: malaria,treatment,drug resistance,diagnosis,act,clinical trials,tests