Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Physical forces driving fibroblast-led cancer cell migration (CAFFORCE)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2014-01-01
End date: 2015-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 166336.2
EU funding (EUR): 166336.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cancer cell invasion and metastasis remain the leading cause of cancer-associated death. It is now clear that invasion is not simply a cancer cell autonomous process but the result of complex interaction between tumour cells and their microenvironment. A number of studies have now shown that the presence of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumour microenvironment enhance cancer cell invasion within the surrounding tissue, thus highlighting the interaction between CAFs and cancer cells as a promising therapeutic target to counteract cancer progression. Recent evidence has established that CAFs are able to guide the collective migration of cancer cells. While the ability of CAFs to rearrange the matrix and favour invasion is well established, how CAFs guide the forward motion of cancer cells remains unknown. To decipher the biophysical features of this cellular interaction we propose here a multidisciplinary project to study the physical forces that drive fibroblast-led collective cancer cell migration. To achieve this goal, we will use novel techniques developed at the host laboratory to measure the physical forces that cells exert on each other and on their surrounding matrix. Next, we will combine these force measurements with genetic and biochemical interventions targeting the interaction between CAFs and cancer cells. As the collective movement of cancer cells into tumor microenvironment is the first step in the spread of metastatic cancer, deciphering the interplay between mechanics and biology at the CAF-cancer cell interface will bring crucial insight into metastatic processes and potentially new therapeutic targets.

Keywords: cancer associated fibroblast,cancer cell,collective cell migration,intercellular forces,monolayer stress microscopy,traction force microscopy,force probe microscopy
Clarifying the role of Blastocystis in human intestinal disease (BLASTOHIT2012)

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: Ireland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-09-13
End date: 2016-03-12
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 246782.6
EU funding (EUR): 246782.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

It is now realised that the human intestinal microbiota is central to health and wellbeing. However, the vast amount of research into the human microbiome has focused primarily on the prokaryotic (bacterial) component of this complex microbial ecosystem and we understand virtually nothing of the eukaryotic species, such as the protists, that are known to play critical roles in structuring microbial communities in other natural ecosystems. Blastocystis is the most common protist in the human intestinal tract (IT); current estimates indicate that it colonises up to 1 billion people worldwide. Crucially, Blastocystis is considered to be an emerging pathogen, but its role in human illness and disease is both controversial and unclear. The key research goal of this project is to clarify the role of Blastocystis in human intestinal health and disease. For this project there will be a specific focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). We will analyse the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in IBS together with healthy individuals and study the interactions between Blastocystis and specific intestinal bacteria. We will use an integrated series of state-of-the-art experiments encompassing both quantitative and qualitative analysis. These include a novel high-throughput PCR with high genetic resolution to assess Blastocystis variation in IBS and healthy groups, next-generation sequence analysis of IT bacteria, quantitative PCR, virulence assays, in vitro microcosm experiments and phenotypic assays. The novel interdisciplinary framework outlined in this proposal that combines molecular microbial surveys of the human IT with experimental microbial ecology and evolution, will allow us to address unresolved and original research questions. Data from this study also has the potential for commercialisation including the development of novel therapeutic treatments.

Keywords: l607 microbiology,l610 parasitology,l101 molecular biology and interactions,l709 public health and epidemiology
Re-linking suburban youths in Madrid and Paris. The “new localism” and the rol of social and ethnic networks in the integration of youth from immigrant origin. (LOCALYOUTH)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-10-01
End date: 2015-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 202405.8
EU funding (EUR): 202405.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In global European cities, youth from immigrant origin who live in disadvantaged areas are disconnected from the networks likely to offer them educational and work opportunities. However, in these poor areas, the negative structural conditions contrast with the capacity of action led by the social networks. We are witnessing the rebirth of localism as a way of condemning the weakening of the Welfare State. There are no comparative studies among North-western and Southern European countries that focus on the principal role played by the civil society in the socialization of youngsters in peripheral neighborhoods. LOCALYOUTH therefore fills a need for comparing the situation of youths between 16 and 29 years in two banlieues of Paris and two barrios of Madrid by taking into account the collective action taken in these environments at a grassroots level. Through an in-depth study of four integration projects of urban and social development a critical evaluation shall be performed on the role played by community networks. An analysis of the importance of the ethnic and gender dimension in the composition of those networks will also be done. The methodology combined case studies, comparative-historical perspective and sociological intervention. Participation observation in associations will be carried out and combined with interviews to people with a long life history in local areas and focus groups with social educators, leaders of associations and policy makers involved in the projects selected for the analysis. In addition, two Sociological Interventions in Madrid and Paris will provide an in-depth knowledge about the situation of the young people and the news dynamics of local participation in two European countries. In summary, LOCALYOUTH offers news keys of analysis to understand and demonstrate a shift towards a new localism and identify the elements (inside the ethnic and local community) that help or limit the upward mobility of youth from immigrant origin.

Keywords: youth,ethnic minorities,migration,inequality,disadvantaged areas,social mobility,social networks,community social work,social capital,civil society,urban citizenship,localism
FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY IN CORTICAL MICROCIRCUITS (FUNCCOMI)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IOF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-09-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 264711.0
EU funding (EUR): 264711.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of this project is to understand the fundamental computation that underlies normalization in cortical sensory circuits. Neuronal responses during sensory processing depend on the statistical properties of the sensory stimuli as well as on the macroscopic organization of the cortical network that together facilitate the functional interplay between neurons within the network in order to perform complex computations. One such important computation that has been shown to operate in various neural systems is normalization. Normalization is the process in which the response of a neuron is modulated by the activity of a pool of neurons. A key question concerns the mechanism that results in normalization. Specifically, how the functional connectivity and interplay between excitatory and inhibitory neurons within a network facilitates this complex computation. Using two-photon microscopy, I will image calcium or voltage responses from a large population of neurons in the visual cortex of mice, and quantitatively characterize the evoked response of every neuron (excitatory vs. inhibitory, simple vs. complex, etc.). Then, I will make slices of the imaged areas and identify the active neurons in the slices by registering images obtained in vivo and in vitro. Finally, I will map the connectivity between the neurons using photo-stimulation, by sequentially evoking action potentials in every neuron while simultaneously measuring the postsynaptic activity of the rest of the neurons in the slice. This study will reveal the design principles of the functional connectivity of a sensory cortex and provide new insights into the relation between the connectivity and the functionality involved in processing sensory information in the cortex.

Keywords: l501 neuroanatomy and neurophysiology,l510 neuroimaging and computational neuroscience
Understanding the nature and origin of black deposits in caves: new insights on enigmatic microorganisms and secondary minerals valuable for astrobiology (DECAVE)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 166336.2
EU funding (EUR): 166336.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The advent of powerful new tools, the need to better understand the biodiversity, origins of life on Earth and on other planets, and the wide applications of the microbe-mineral interactions, have led to a rapid expansion of interest in subsurface environments. Recently reported results indicate signs of an early wet Mars and rather recent volcanic activity which suggest that Mars’s subsurface can house organic molecules or traces of microbial life, making the search for microbial life on Earth’s subsurface even more compelling. Caves on Earth are windows into the subsurface that harbor an especially interesting variety of mineral-utilizing microorganisms, which may contribute to the formation of unusual microstructures recognized as biosignatures. This proposal aims toward a multi- and inter-disciplinary approach to characterize the enigmatic microorganisms and unusual mineral features within black deposits found in limestone caves and lava tubes. A broad suite of tools from geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, hydrochemistry and molecular microbiology will be used: (i) To morphologically, geochemically and mineralogically characterize black deposits from Ardales Cave (Malaga, Spain) and lava tubes from Canary Islands; (ii) To identify and characterize the microbial communities within black deposits using powerful new molecular tools; (iii) To assess the microbe-mineral interactions associated with these cave deposits, permiting to elucidate on the role of microorganisms in the formation of secondary minerals and understand certain biomineralization and rock-weathering processes; (iv) To recognize biominerals, microbial fabrics or fossil bacteria as biosignatures valuable for astrobiology. Hence, the geomicrobiology of cave black deposits represents a research of great interest, which is likely to yield major advances on the identification of microbial biosignatures plausible to provide evidences on the origin of life on Earth and elsewhere in the Solar System.

Keywords: geomicrobiology,astrobiology,caves,lava tubes,speleology,subsurface,biominerals,biosignatures,env
Tracing Microbes using Phosphate in Fe-oxide Environments (TMUPIFE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Netherlands,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IOF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-09-01
End date: 2015-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 259745.1
EU funding (EUR): 173866.2
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Acid drainage from unused mines (AMD) is a global problem. In these environments understanding the role of microbes is critical to predict its remediation as well as creation, but is also important due to its recent use as an analogue for the surface of Mars. Measuring microbial activity using isotopic signatures is a well-established idea used for AMD production, however, is typically only applicable to the metabolism of specific microbes. In contrast, fractionation in phosphate that is required by all forms of life, has been shown to be a viable tracer for biological activity in near neutral environments by Prof. Blake at Yale University. At acidic conditions different speciations of phosphate play an important role in O fractionation but the signatures associated with minerals such as Fe-oxides and microbial metabolism is unknown. Thus, the proposed project will use a synergy of experimental, analytical and computational techniques to test whether the isotopic fractionation of oxygen in phosphate can be used as an isotopic tracer in acidic systems. To do this fractionation associated with relevant microbes and Fe-minerals will be examined using experiments, analysed by state of the art Thermo-Chemical Elemental Analysis and compared to natural AMD samples in the outgoing phase at Yale University. To predict whether these signatures can be retained within the Fe-minerals computational simulations, conducted at the return host University College London with Prof. de Leeuw, will be used to examine phosphate adsorption to different Fe-minerals and the competition of other molecules for adsorption sites. The proposed project offers the European scientific community the opportunity to transfer unique skills whilst simultaneously generating cross disciplinary collaborations that have a high potential to produce long term projects and is the perfect project for the researcher to establish the skills required for a career in environmental remediation research.

Keywords: microbes,isotopes,environmental remediation,mars,acid mine drainage,computational simulations,fractionation experiments
Evolving spaces: coastal landscapes of the Neolithic in the European Land Ends (ESCOPES)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2015-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 309235.2
EU funding (EUR): 309235.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Coastal areas have been poles of population attraction since the early Prehistory. Today, in a context where sea-level rise is threatening significant amounts of territories across the European Atlantic Façade, understanding coastal landscapes has become a crucial topic. This concern operates at the local, national and international levels, as different organisations and research calls have stressed in the last few years. The role social sciences may play in building solutions to this problem is underestimated, and archaeological research must contribute to both the understanding of long-term coastal dynamics and the management strategies within these areas. In order to fulfil this double perspective the present project implements a coupled approach: one of basic research, one of heritage management. It is summarised in two basic objectives: 1. Contributing, through the multidisciplinary and trans-regional analysis of the archaeological evidence, to the understanding of coastal landscape construction and dynamics from the Middle Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in Western Europe (c. 4500-2200 BC). 2. Assessing vulnerability of the coastal archaeological heritage and providing tools for its management. To reach the Objective 1 the megalithic architectures will be the primary reference source. Their immanence makes them highly appropriate to retrace the way landscapes have been connoted and have evolved around them. To reach the Objective 2 the research program will integrate and improve the research perspective on vulnerability assessment initiated by the candidate. Fieldwork research and Geographical Information Technologies will be the main methodologies in use. Three major regions have been chosen for this research, which correspond to some of the westernmost areas of Europe: the Cornwall peninsula and the Scilly archipelago (UK), the NW Finistère (France) and the coastal area between Barbanza and Morrazo peninsulas (NW Spain).

Keywords: s401 archaeology - archaeometry - landscape archaeology,s402 prehistory and protohistory,s412 cultural heritage,other: coastal and island archaeology
Subcellular localization of distinct γ-secretase complexes defines substrate specificity (GSEC-AD)

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: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-08-01
End date: 2015-11-13
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 177000.0
EU funding (EUR): 177000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In Alzheimer disease (AD) one of the key players is γ-secretase, a protease that cleaves amyloid precursor protein (APP) within its transmembrane domain to produce amyloid β (Aβ). Longer Aβ peptides have stronger tendency to aggregate, form plaques and cause inflammation - the direct causes of AD. γ-secretase activity is confined to a complex consisting of presenilin (PSEN), nicastrin (NCT), APH-1 and PEN-2. The existence of two PSEN isoforms (1&2) and several APH-1 isoforms implies heterogeneity in activities of which biological relevance is poorly understood. Preliminary findings from our laboratory indicate that the complexes containing PSEN1 and PSEN2 are differently distributed along the secretory and endocytic pathways. We hypothesize that their subcellular localization contributes to different substrate and cleavage specificity, which results in generation of Aβ peptides of different lengths. Our major objective is to examine the relationship between localization of γ-secretase isoforms and their substrates. This issue will be investigated on subcellular level, within given cellular compartments and membrane microdomains using the combination of biochemical methods with superresolution microscopy on mammalian cells. The specific objectives include identification and characterization of the sorting motifs within presenilins sequence and the sorting machinery responsible for their distinct endosomal localization. The microdomain association of PSEN1 and PSEN2 complexes will be achieved by analysis of colocalization with microdomain-specific proteins and lipid probes. A similar approach will be used to reveal different substrates of the enzymes. Finally, we will evaluate the effect of clinical PSENs mutations on the γ-secretases localization. Understanding the physiological relevance of the γ-secretase complexes and how they select their substrates may potentially contribute improving the AD models and in the long term to development of more specific drugs.

Keywords: ?-secretase,presenilin,regulated intramembrane proteolysis,alzheimer disease,superresolution,microscopy,neuron
Combining sensitive biomarkers for early diagnosis of AD: A multi-modal approach (AD BIOMARKERS)

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: Sweden
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-09-01
End date: 2015-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 197811.6
EU funding (EUR): 197811.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently the leading cause of dementia, being expected to double in the coming decades. Increasing evidence suggests the pathological mechanisms of AD become active several years before neurons start dying and dementia manifests. During this prodromal stage, referred to as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), effective treatments would have the greatest impact because cognitive function is still relatively preserved. Hence, it is crucial to identify these subjects at increased risk of developing AD at the earliest possible stage. Several neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid and neuropsychological biomarkers for early detection of AD have been proposed. However, none of these biomarkers has been established as an ideal diagnostic or prognostic indicator. Considering the complexity of the AD process and the multiple dynamic pathological changes that occur during the course of the disease it is rather unlikely that a single ideal biomarker even exists. Hence a combination of both already established and new sensitive biomarkers has the potential of significantly improving the accuracy of diagnosis compared to each of them alone. In the current project we will combine several multimodal biomarkers from neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid, genetics and cognitive tests in multivariate analyses in order to determine which marker or combination of markers is optimal for early diagnosis of AD. We will create a discriminant pattern of disease for the diagnosis of AD, prediction of conversion of MCI to AD and discrimination of MCI due to AD pathology and MCI associated with Parkinson’s disease. These patterns will be based on information from well-established measures that have shown value as AD biomarkers, in addition to new measures suggested as potentially new markers of AD. This project will benefit the Work Program by providing tools able to diagnose and discriminate early prodromal stages of AD that can be potentially implemented in clinical practice.

Keywords: alzheimer's disease,mild cognitive impairment,multivariate analyses,biomarkers,magnetic resonance imaging,cerebrospinal fluid,positron emission tomography,apolipoprotein e,neuropsychology