Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Linking the Target of Rapamycin signalling to cell cycle progression during tuber initiation and its impact on potato yield parameters (TorCrop)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Standard European Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2020, 2020)
Start date: 2021-09-01
End date: 2023-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 187572.48
EU funding (EUR): 187572.48
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Potato tubers are nutrient storage organs that develop from underground stems called stolons through a process called tuberisation. This process is under the control of extrinsic and intrinsic signals, however, little is known about how these signals initiate and maintain tuber growth. We know that the first step is the initiation of cell division at the subapical region of the stolon, however, how this cell division is promoted and coordinated through developmental programs has not yet been studied. The TorCrop project will build on knowledge accumulated through fundamental research in model organisms to gain molecular insight in tuber initiation and growth. For this purpose, we will induce tuber growth by sugar and characterise the cell proliferation and cell growth during tuber formation. As next step, we will explore how the nutrient sensing Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway contributes to this and is there any hierarchical connection between TOR and the “tuberigen” signal. Then, we will identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that define tuber size, size distribution which is connected to enhanced TOR activation. We will also analyse allelic variations in identified candidate genes and link these to phenotypic variations available from breeding companies and in public databases. Finally, we will create predictive mathematical models that describe cell size, number and changes throughout tuberisation in relation to tuber size and ultimately yield. Therefore, the project will provide a better understanding on organ development and ultimately yield in crops by providing knowledge at molecular and systems biology levels.

Keywords: plant biology,crop science,storage organ development,potato tuberisation,cell cycle regulation,cell growth,qtl mapping,bioinformatics,transcript profiling,systems biology,target of rapamycin
BLINDFAST: INNOVATIVE BLIND FASTENER MONITORING TECHNOLOGY FOR QUALITY CONTROL (BLINDFAST)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Smart, green and integrated transport
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: Clean Sky 2
Action type: Innovation actions
Partnership: CS2 (Art-187)
Countries involved: Spain
Call: Cost Reduction On Composite Structure Assembly – Blind fastener inspection technology for quality control (H2020-CS2-CFP01-2014-01, 2014)
Start date: 2016-02-01
End date: 2019-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 433000.0
EU funding (EUR): 433000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

BLINDFAST project aims at developing a new and robust method for on-line monitoring the installation of blind fasteners that will allow performing a quality control of the blind fastener formed head. The monitoring process will allow the fast and accurate classification of blind rivets and detecting defects that cannot be detected from the accessing face. Nowadays, due to the uncertainty about the quality of the rivet, the Design Office need to increase the design loads. Thus, blind fasteners joints are penalized in rivet number, rivet weight, and manufacturing time, increasing both assembling direct and indirect costs, and also aircraft operational costs due to heavier components. New monitoring method will prevent from using these extra fasteners that nowadays have to be installed to compensate the incorrectly installed fasteners. The new concept will be based on a multi-signal approach that will analyse fastening data acquired during the insertion of the fastener and will extract from them relevant data related to fastener quality. A smart test-bench for blind fastener installation will be prepared to allow multi-signal and multi-sensor approach. During sample preparation defects will be forced in other to have appropriate input data. Later the application of advanced data mining and artificial intelligent techniques to the acquired signals will be conducted to look for patterns related to rivet quality. If multi-signal approach for fastening monitoring does not lead to satisfactory results, other non-destructive techniques as frequency response analysis will be also considered. The topic addressed is JTI-CS2-2014-CFP01-LPA-02-01 which relates to Platform 2 “Innovative Physical Integration Cabin-System-Structure”. BLINDFAST contributes to the development of intelligent automation and zero defects manufacturing lines by allowing the early detection of defects, the reduction of extra fasteners and by providing security about quality of the installed fasteners.

Keywords: blind fastener quality control,non destructive inspection,in process quality control,frequency response function
Exoribonuclease-mediated degradation of nascent RNA in Malaria Parasites: A Novel Mechanism in Virulence Gene Silencing (PlasmoSilencing)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy
Panel description: The immune system, related disorders and their mechanisms, biology of infectious agents and infection, biological basis of prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, innovative immunological tools and approaches, including therapies
Countries involved: France
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2014-ADG, 2014)
Start date: 2015-11-01
End date: 2020-10-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2499761.0
EU funding (EUR): 2499761.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Background: The human protozoan malaria parasite P. falciparum causes approximately 200 million infections and 0.7 million deaths (mainly children) per year. In the well-studied asexual blood stages, cyclic monocistronic gene activation occurs at the transcriptional level; however, relatively few transcription factors have been identified, thus other types of regulatory processes that contribute to this coordinated gene expression are believed to exist. Through the study of molecular process of monoallelic expression of immune evasion genes in P. falciparum (project funded by a previous ERC grant to A. Scherf), we discovered an entirely new mechanism of gene silencing. We demonstrated that an exoribonuclease silences genes linked to severe malaria. A non-canonical 3’-5’exoribonuclease termed PfRNase II destroys nascent RNA made from promoter regions, leading to cryptic unstable mRNA. Parasites carrying a deficient PfRNase II produce full-length mRNA and long noncoding RNA. The molecular events and the number of genes directly controlled by this novel type of posttranscriptional gene silencing remain elusive. Aim: This proposal aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling PfRNase II-dependent gene silencing using innovative strategies such as the new genome editing technique (Cas9/CRISPR) developed in my laboratory for use in P. falciparum. We will study i) the recruitment of PfRNase II to promoter regions of severe malaria related genes using protein pull-down assays and ii) the genome occupancy of PfRNase II and two other 3’-5’ exoribonucleases to determine the total number of genes controlled by this mechanism. Impact: This project represents a major change in mainstream malaria parasite gene regulation paradigms with repercussions for other organisms. The proposed research will both open new avenues in molecular process that control severe malaria and appeal to young researchers to join this rather ‘untouched’ topic.

Keywords: plasmodium,cryptic unstable rna,gene silencing,rnase degradation
Advanced Computational Model for the Development of Cochlear Implants (CIModelPLUS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Standard European Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Information Science and Engineering
Countries involved: Germany
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2017-03-01
End date: 2019-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 159460.8
EU funding (EUR): 159460.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cochlear implants (CIs) are proven effective in restoring hearing to the severe-to-profoundly deaf. Up to 2012, there were more than 100,000 CI users in Europe, which only accounts for 7% of all adult CI candidates. The most severe limitation of current CI technology is caused by the wide spread of electric current in the cochlea, which results in a poor spectral resolution of electrical stimulation of the nerve and limits the number of effective electrodes. Computational models of the cochlea have been used to facilitate the development of CIs. These models depend on the geometry of the reconstructed cochlea and the exact knowledge of the electrical impedances of different tissues. However, only crude estimation of the impedances of all media is available, and most computational models of the cochlea only adopted an ideal representation of the geometry. Therefore, CIModelPLUS aims to provide engineers an advanced computational model of the cochlea with incorporated CI, which will show improved accuracy of the electric current distribution in the tissues, in order to facilitate the development of next-generation CIs. To fulfil this aim, computational models of cochleae will be reconstructed from the µ-CT scans of temporal bone specimens, and the electric current distribution inside the cochlea will also be measured experimentally. The simulation and experimental results will later be combined to develop the advanced computational model of the cochlea. CIModelPLUS involves interdisciplinary research between engineering, physics, neuroscience and medicine, and intersectoral collaboration between academia and CI industry. It will lead to the future development of CIs due to the accurate and validated computational approach adopted, and the advancement of CI technology will improve the quality of life of over 100,000 current CI users and other CI candidates in Europe, as well as that of their families and the communities that they reside in.

Keywords: cochlear implant,computational modelling,electrical engineering
Functional networks underlying emotion processing (PFC-AMY)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Standard European Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Austria
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2017, 2017)
Start date: 2018-09-03
End date: 2020-09-02
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 166156.8
EU funding (EUR): 166156.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Impairments in self-regulation of emotions are a substantial aspect of neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. These disorders account for up to 40% of years lived with disability, with depression as the main cause. Key characteristics of these disorders are changes in emotion processing, i.e. emotion perception, emotion reactivity and emotion regulation. From a brain network perspective, these emotion processing alterations were found to be associated with reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex), while at the same time limbic areas (particularly the amygdala) are overactivated. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive technique for modulating brain networks, is a promising tool to cure patients suffering from affective disorders. Current approaches, however, use TMS targets based on generic anatomy coordinates from group-average studies. It is this lack of patient-specific targeting which most probably causes the modest response rates observed in TMS therapy. This project will use cutting-edge neuroscience methods to provide innovative ways for the treatment of patients with emotional dysregulation. We will systematically investigate different network properties underlying emotion perception, reactivity and regulation in healthy participants to develop a connectivity-informed process model of emotion processing that could be used for clinical research. We will use individualised brain targets based on activation and connectivity patterns obtained in the same subject to improve TMS application accuracy and achieve optimal therapeutic benefit in each and every patient. We will compare the performance of this precision-medicine approach with subject-specific stimulation targets to the current gold-standard procedure relying on group-average targets.

Keywords: amygdala,fmri,prefrontal cortex,emotion regulation,affect regulation,emotion perception,emotion reactivity
Chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fibre and medicinal terpenes (CHIC)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, and Biotechnology
Theme: Biotechnology
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Countries involved: Austria,Italy,Germany,Germany,Spain,Belgium,Poland,Serbia,Finland,New Zealand,France,Netherlands,Netherlands,Portugal
Call: New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBT) in molecular farming: Multipurpose crops for industrial bioproducts (H2020-NMBP-BIO-2017, 2017)
Start date: 2018-01-01
End date: 2022-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 7318346.25
EU funding (EUR): 6999596.25
Participants: 20
Project status: SIGNED

CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is 1) to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and 2) to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ongoing project activities and results will be discussed with stakeholders and communicated to interested public using innovative methods including cultural communication and linking art to science. In this context, CHIC will develop two business cases in different application areas, inulin as healthy food ingredient and terpenes as medicinal lead compounds. This effort requires a highly interdisciplinary approach with expertise from molecular sciences, economy, arts, social sciences & humanities, and legislation. The partnership includes three SMEs and a chicory end-user, and international collaboration is established via a research institute in New Zealand. The SAG plays a crucial role in consultation in all phases and activities of the project. Via this co-innovation approach, we aim to contribute to leadership in responsible research innovation and to promote improved understanding of plant biotechnology. Chicory will be boosted as a robust multipurpose crop, tolerant to adverse environmental conditions from which bioactive compounds can be extracted, contributing to sustainable agriculture and a biobased economy.

Keywords: new plant breeding techniques,crispr,cisgenesis,chicory,dietary fibre,inulin,terpenes,innovative communication,stakeholder involvement,responsible research innovation
HIGHLY EFFICIENT CLADDING ECO-PANELS WITH IMPROVED NANO-INSULATION PROPERTIES (GELCLAD)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, and Biotechnology
Theme: Advanced materials
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,Germany,Spain,Slovenia,Slovenia,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,Portugal,Portugal
Call: Highly efficient insulation materials with improved properties (H2020-EEB-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2016-09-01
End date: 2019-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5538847.5
EU funding (EUR): 4791708.38
Participants: 14
Project status: CLOSED

The GELCLAD project aims at creating a novel cost-effective, durable, industrialised and easy to install composite insulation cladding system, based on a single multi-meso-structured panel with excellent insulation properties, made from functional bio-polymer composite (ecoWPC) as skin coupling with unique advanced foamable extrudable aerogel (FEA) as insulation core/layer. The GELCLAD is produced using a single co-extrusion procedure in which both ecoWPC framing skin and FEA core are simultaneously formed such that no discontinuity is formed between them. Using a multilayer effective continuous extrusion allows the benefits of high quality multi-meso-structured systems and productive production to be obtained without the traditional drawbacks of existing bonding lamination of extremely high embodied energy insulation materials, and high labouring and skilled installation of multi material layers. By combining also this biopolymer based ecoWPC/aerogel with passive pre-programed materials responding dynamically to ambient stimuli and control the air flow, GELCLAD wants to target the market as a novel environmentally friendly multi-functional smart cladding solution, to be used as an ecological alternative to the current cladding and ventilated façade systems. The foreseen impacts of the novel GELCLAD will be 20% lower embodied energy and carbon than traditional oil based panels, attain more than 40% reduction of energy savings due to GELCLAD refurbishment, reduce costs of 40% over traditional façade thanks to single panel systems, less installation and maintenance expenses, while providing functional building envelope solutions for a life span over 50 years. Full scale demonstration of the application of the novel cladding generation will be performed in demo and public building in Spain and Slovenia for ready uptake and spreading of new technologies, and many other building systems will follow after the success of GELCLAD.

Keywords: insulation,external walls,materials,renewable,aerogel,bio plastics,multi layer systems
Sex differences in intestinal plasticity (IntraGutSex)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing
Panel description: Organ and tissue physiology, comparative physiology, physiology of ageing, pathophysiology, interorgan and tissue communication, endocrinology, nutrition, metabolism, interaction with the microbiome, non-communicable diseases including cancer (and except disorders of the nervous system and immunity-related diseases)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2017-ADG, 2017)
Start date: 2018-10-01
End date: 2024-03-31
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2485217.0
EU funding (EUR): 2485217.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Sex differences in intestinal plasticity Males and females often differ in their physiology and disease susceptibility. Sex hormones play key roles in sculpting and maintaining such sex differences, but increasing evidence points to a contribution of cell-intrinsic mechanisms. We are only beginning to understand the molecular mediators of these intrinsic mechanisms, and little is known about the organs where they function and their effects at the whole-organism level. Our work in flies recently revealed the existence of intrinsic sex differences in intestinal stem cell proliferation. This work raised the possibility that other, more metabolically significant intestinal cell types have their own sexual identity, with potential consequences at the organ and whole-organism levels. This proposal will explore the nature and significance of this sexual identity in two such cell types: enterocytes and neurons. We will first take advantage of our ability to genetically manipulate and sexually transform these cells in Drosophila in order to understand how their sexual identity is specified and whether it needs to be actively maintained. We will then explore the contribution of such sexual identity to organ features and whole-body physiology. Finally, we will investigate the evolutionary conservation of our findings by establishing organoids as a model to investigate enterocyte physiology, and then use them to explore whether intrinsic mechanisms are also active in the mouse intestinal epithelium. Collectively, our multidisciplinary approach will shed light on the contribution of the intestine - an organ not previously known to have an intrinsic sexual identity - to sex differences in physiology. It will also pioneer the study of enterocyte physiology in organoids: an emerging and extremely powerful ex vivo system. Our work will also lay the foundations for future interventions aimed at tackling sex biases in disease susceptibility/prognosis.

Keywords: drosophila,intestine,enteric neurons,sex differences,organoids