Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Analog Photonic Information Processing Modules (ANAPHI-PROMO)

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: Greece
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2014-07-23
End date: 2018-07-22
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

All-optical techniques for signal processing have attracted considerable attention in recent years. An important optical component in these techniques is the programmable transfer function (TF) optical filter. Optical filters with a variety of TF have been proposed. However, programmability of arbitrary TF has not been addressed adequately in the international research community. In this project, we will design and demonstrate a programmable TF optical filter based on a Michelson Gires-Turnois interferometer in which the Gires-Turnois resonators (GTR) are realized by pairs of fiber-loop mirrors (FLM). The approach involves theoretical analysis and modeling, as well as experimental demonstration. This optical filter can realize programmable arbitrary TFs by simple controls of FLM reflectivity (via the polarization controllers), and the cavity length of the fiber based GTRs using programmable delay lines. Fiber optic based circuits will be built to evaluate the model and characterize the filters performance. The project will also explore the potential to fabricate the programmable TF optical filter in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) platform to realize more compact and robust designs. This will involve the fabrication of the individual elemental building blocks of the device and their integration in a single platform. Finally, the all-optical fiber based filter will be integrated in a larger system to demonstrate photonic signal processing functionalities. The project will benefit the fellow in establishing a laboratory in the host institution, which will be built and equipped with the help of the host institution. This laboratory will (a) allow the fellow to support additional proposals within the EU; (b) enable researchers from the host institution and beyond to be involved in experimental research activities, bringing together people from different disciplines (e.g., optics, photonics, microwave, signal processing etc).

Keywords: g205 micro- and nanoelectronics - optoelectronics,g207 signal processing,g202 electrical and electronic engineering
Mechanically-Assisted Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals: A Greener Energy Input (MASPGREEN)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-16
End date: 2018-04-15
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In a world with increasing population and limited resources, the development of new synthetic procedures will not only be judged by their yield and/or product selectivity, but also by their ecological and economical footprint. Mechanochemistry is a branch of sustainable chemistry which involves a rapid and clean way to transfer the energy needed for the chemical transformation, using friction, via either ball-milling or grinding. In this project, we intend to exploit the attractive practical advantages and opportunities that mechanochemistry offers for the development of the sustainable synthesis of complex pharmaceutical products. In particular, the research focuses on the study of a collection of the most useful tools in organic chemistry: alkylation, condensation, addition, cycloaddition and hydrogenation reactions, in both their racemic and enantioselective version. The development, optimisation and assessment of these transformations will be performed using the biologically active barbiturates as synthetic scaffolds. Moreover, through the study and determination of the key kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the optimised mechanochemical process, and by means of computational chemistry, we will develop and validate a robust predictive model for these kinds of transformation. This project provides a strong foundation for an innovative network that integrates organic, pharmaceutical, analytical and physical chemistry in the common pursuit of becoming greener. This research aims for a cleaner and more efficient synthesis of pharmaceuticals whilst gaining a better understanding of the physico-chemical parameters that govern mechanochemistry. We envisage that this project will open a significant number of new research opportunities in environmentally-friendly synthesis.

Keywords: c112 catalysis,c141 organic chemistry,c106 analytical chemistry,c107 chemical physics,c131 environment chemistry,c114 chemical reactions,c111 method development in chemistry
FUNCTIONS OF CHROMATIN MARKS IN REGULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION (FAME)

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: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In multicellular organisms, during embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into a variety of specialized cell types is governed by diverse transcriptional programs, the establishment and maintenance of which rely on epigenetic mechanisms, such as chromatin modifications. Over the past years, a large number of post-translational modifications of histones as well as enzymes responsible for either positioning or removal of these marks were characterized. Genome-wide studies mapping the distribution of histone modifications revealed a complex epigenetic landscape on eukaryotic chromosomes. In particular, distinct chromatin signatures were recently associated with enhancer elements, cis-acting DNA sequences inducing transcription from target promoters. However, whether the deposition of specific marks at enhancers is a pre-requisite for their activity or a mere consequence of the recruitment of histone-modifying complexes at their target promoters is an entirely open question. The aim of this proposal is to define the biological significance of histone modifications covering enhancer sequences in vivo. To perform this study we will generate transgenic mice allowing us to target histone-modifying activities at enhancers using a recently introduced technology based on transcription activator–like effectors (TALEs). The developing limb will serve as a model system since several well-defined enhancers are active specifically in this structure. We will validate this approach by assessing changes in histone marks over enhancer sequences in transgenic versus wild type mice. Next, we will determine how such changes affect the transcriptional status of the endogenous target gene of the enhancer by scoring both RNA levels and limb phenotypes. The results of this study are likely to have a major impact on our understanding of chromatin functions in transcriptional regulation.

Keywords: epigenetics and gene regulation,developmental genetics - embryology in animals,histone methylation,transcription,enhancer,tale
Investigating the role of cilia proteins in dividing cells: implications in kidney cyst formation and ciliopathies. (CILMITOPATHO)

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: 2013-04-01
End date: 2017-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cilia proteins, including proteins of the intraflagellar transport machinery (IFT) were initially identified for their link to polycystic kidney disease but were also described as potential tumor suppressor. This suggests that common cellular pathways, which have yet to be characterized, might contribute to both benign cyst formation and cancer. Cystogenesis has long been associated exclusively with cilia dysfunction. However, our recent finding of IFT88 functioning in spindle orientation during mitosis suggests that cilia dysfunctions might explain only part of the mechanistic underpinnings of ciliopathies. Indeed, this finding and the fact that several proteins of the IFT machinery localize to spindle poles during mitosis or to the midbody during cytokinesis suggests that cilia proteins, well characterized so far for their role in cilia, might have cilia-independent functions in dividing cells that have yet to be explored. The overall objective of the project is to investigate the roles of cilia proteins in dividing cells and thus to tackle form a different angle the longstanding question of their role in pathologies. First (AIM1), we will identify a list of cilia proteins involved in cell division using High content screening in cultured cells. Then, we will characterize the role of a subset of IFT proteins involved in dividing cells at the cellular (AIM1) and molecular (AIM2) levels. Then (AIM4), we will address in vivo the physiological relevance of mitotic dysfunctions associated with cilia protein depletion in kidney cyst formation using zebrafish. Our general strategy will combine cell biological and biochemical approaches in cultured cells with the use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to study in vivo cellular processes associated with pathologies. Overall, this project is of great significance since it will unravel novel functions in dividing cells for cilia proteins and will provide new perspectives on the etiology of cyst formation and ciliopathies.

Keywords: l303 cell cycle and division,l302 cell biology and molecular transport mechanisms,l713 medical pathology
Distal regulatory elements in cancer progression and treatment: focus on DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation (METHDRE)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-11-15
End date: 2017-11-14
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In carcinogenesis epigenetic aberrations occur early, are widespread across the genome and are potentially reversible. DNA methylation (5mC) at gene promoters and CpG islands (CGIs) is well recognized for affecting gene expression. In contrast, little is known on the role of DNA methylation in distal regulatory elements (DREs). Based on recent genome-wide studies, we hypothesize that DREs are more sensitive than CGIs to changes in DNA methylation, thus they may function as primary responders to epigenetic therapies. We previously showed DREs are indeed epigenetically dynamic and prone to demethylation, the process that may involve a newly identified DNA modification, cytosine hydroxymethylation (5hmC). The molecular mechanisms by which these modifications are targeted to specific genomic locations are not well understood. The project aims to identify the role DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation play in the maintenance and functioning of DREs during cancer progression and treatment. For that, genome-wide methods will be developed for the identification of DREs followed by targeted enrichment using DNA capture array and sequencing. This will allow for simultaneous analysis of 5mC and 5hmC modifications at base-pair resolution. We will examine the effects of virus infection and chronic inflammation on DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in cultured oral keratinoctes while focusing on the changes in transcription factor binding as a potential targeting mechanism. The effect of DNA methylation inhibitors will be examined to identify key methylation events within DREs required for cancer cell survival. Clinical relevance of the key methylated regions will then be evaluated on a panel of head and neck cancers from well characterized cohorts of patients. This investigation will reveal important molecular aspects of chromatin function in tumorigenesis, thereby improving prospects for developing personalized cancer therapies that target epigenetic modifications.

Keywords: l208 epigenetics and gene regulation,l406 cancer and its biological basis,l101 molecular biology and interactions
Inter-areal cortical communication: investigating the relationship between hemodynamic and electrophysiological measurements (NEURO-COMM)

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: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-01
End date: 2017-05-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Perception, cognition and behaviour are achieved through the coordination of multiple brain regions, which exchange information between each other. Large-scale functional interactions arise at two distinct but potentially related temporal scales: “slow” hemodynamic fluctuations measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); and “fast” electrophysiological oscillations of the neurons, as measured non-invasively by electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography, and invasively at finer spatial scales by local field potentials and multi-unit activity. Despite enormous recent progress, our understanding of the relationship between, and functional role of fast and slow synchronization in inter-areal cortical communication is still limited. In this project, we will study interactions in large-scale functional networks of healthy human volunteers using combined electrophysiological and hemodynamic measures. We will characterize functional brain networks showing coherent hemodynamic activity at rest and examine how the functional architecture of these networks varies with active behaviour. Moreover, we will study large-scale interactions at different spatio-temporal scales, relating slow fMRI fluctuations with fast EEG oscillations recorded simultaneously. Finally, we will target specific areas under different states by transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate the causal effects of these focal perturbations on the spatial and temporal properties of brain networks. These studies will provide deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying inter-areal cortical communication and their functional role with respect to behaviour.

Keywords: l509 systems neuroscience,l510 neuroimaging and computational neuroscience
Integrating cell growth and cell division with light signals and circadian clock function – the role of Arabidopsis S6 kinase in the regulation of the diurnal pattern of growth (S6KDIURNALGROWTHARAB)

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: 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

Light and the circadian clock control the timing of growth and neighbor sensing and are critical for proper regulation of fitness and biomass. At the intersection of these two pathways are the PIF transcription factors. However, although the components of both pathways are known, their downstream effectors are still poorly understood. In this proposal I plan to establish a functional connection between environmental perception and the molecular mechanisms controlling cell growth and proliferation, by looking at downstream outputs of light and the clock. I have previously shown that the growth-signalling regulator Arabidopsis 40S ribosomal protein S6 Kinase1 (S6K1) is also a inhibitor of cell division due to its ability to form a complex with RBR1 and E2FB. I found that S6K1 is co-expressed with CCA1, a major clock component and my preliminary data suggest that PIF and other circadian regulators could control S6K1 expression. I plan to confirm those observations and characterize the light and circadian regulation of S6K1 and also S6K2 both at transcriptional and post-translational levels. Moreover, I plan to extend this analysis to RBR1-E2FB and other regulators of cell growth and cell division. These findings will provide a better understanding of how cell growth and cell cycle regulation are connected and how the environment affects both. Furthermore, the characterization of these downstream regulators and their mode of action could allow the manipulation of plant yield under sub-optimal field conditions, and this knowledge could be transferred to other species with economic and agricultural importance.

Keywords: l108 biochemistry of signal transduction,l101 molecular biology and interactions,l308 signal transduction,l208 epigenetics and gene regulation,l206 molecular genetics - reverse genetics and rnai
Disordered assemblies of biofilaments: from aggregation to contractility (BIOFIB)

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: 2014-02-01
End date: 2018-01-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Protein filaments and their geometrical organization are crucial for cell mechanics, and their failure is related to diseases ranging from sickle cell anemia to Alzheimer’s to cancer. While such stakes would suggest a well-defined design to the engineer, sub-cellular filamentous structures are often surprisingly disordered, and very variable from one cell to the next. Physically, this disorder can be traced back to complicated random aggregation processes involving particles with intricate structures far from equilibrium. To help understand this paradoxical combination of reliability and randomness in the cell’s architecture, I plan on theoretically characterizing robust, generic organizational principles for biofilaments on multiple, interrelated scales, from the whole cell to individual proteins. I will first consider disordered assemblies of actin filaments and molecular motors that contract in vivo. These systems self-organize to induce cell motility according to different mechanisms than ordered structures, and I will ask which of these non-conventional mechanisms dominates their activity. This problem crucially involves the mesoscopic structure of the filament assembly, which I will consider next. Going beyond existing naive equilibrium models, this second study will focus on the out-of-equilibrium competition between filament growth and aggregation, which experiments have recently shown to dominate actin gel structure. Finally, I will question the foundations of these two first studies by asking why protein filaments are so abundant; indeed, they form even in situations where their presence harms the cell. To this end, I will show that irregular protein-like particles have a natural tendency towards filament formation, which relieves the geometrical frustration resulting from their ill-fitting shapes.

Keywords: p219 biophysics,p215 soft condensed matter,contractility,gelation,aggregation,cytoskeleton,molecular motor,cross-linker,amyloid,frustration
Tracing the Intracellular Fate of Anticancer Nanomedicines (NANOTRAC)

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: United Kingdom
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

Nanomedicines are defined as specifically engineered, nanosized drugs and drug delivery systems that are comprised of multiple components. For example, polymer-drug conjugates and drug-protein conjugates are emerging as promising approaches to treating a number of diseases, including cancer. The payloads of these nanomedicines differ widely. However, when targeting cancer, there is a universal requirement to reach the tumour microenvironment and often to deliver the payload to a specific intracellular compartment in order to yield the desired therapeutic effect. The goal of this proposal is to develop two complementary approaches that showcase the manufacturing of functionalised biopolymer-based nanoparticles and their subsequent biological evaluation in relation to cellular and subcellular trafficking in the tumour microenvironment. To achieve this goal, I propose two main aims. Aim 1 is to generate drug-loaded silk nanoparticles that can be readily functionlised to target specific cells and cellular compartments. I hypothesise that by using functionalised silk nanoparticles, it will be possible to target and deliver a therapeutic payload to cancer cells, which will lead to improved clinical outcomes in vivo. Aim 2 is to establish a repertoire of subcellular fractionation techniques in order to quantitatively describe the intracellular fate of nanomedicines in vitro and in vivo. I hypothesise that in particular, subcellular fractionation methods will allow a better understating of the fate of nanoparticles in tumour cells and their subsequent intracellular trafficking. Taken together, these studies will demonstrate an integrated approach to the development of next-generation nanomedicines. This proposal provides the drug delivery field with a novel nanoparticle system and a unique toolbox for the cellular tracing of nanomedicines for the wider scientific community.

Keywords: l705 gene therapy - stem cell therapy - regenerative medicine,l701 medical engineering and technology,l703 pharmacology - toxicology - pharmacogenomics - drug therapy,drug delivery,nano,cancer