Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Towards symplectic Teichmueller theory (SYMPTEICH)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Mathematical foundations
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2007-StG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-07-01
End date: 2013-06-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 650000.0
EU funding (EUR): 650000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Over the last decade, homological algebra has entered symplectic topology, largely thanks to the appearance of Fukaya categories in homological mirror symmetry. Applications of these new methods and ideas are still scarce. We propose a fundamentally new approach to studying symplectic dynamics, by studying the action of the symplectic mapping class group on the complex manifold of stability conditions on its Fukaya category. This can be seen as a first attempt to generalise classical Teichmueller theory to higher-dimensional symplectic manifolds. Many invariants arising in low-dimensional topology, including Khovanov cohomology for knots, are governed by the Fukaya categories of associated moduli spaces. We propose an "uncertainty principle" in topology, in which these invariants are intrinsically constrained by rigidity of this underlying categorical structure. Besides applications in topology, this suggests a framework for studying the sense in which topological complexity is the shadow of dynamical complexity.

Keywords: symplectic geometry,dynamics,low-dimensional topology,representation theory,mirror symmetry
Mechanisms of Poly-Ubiquitin Chain Assembly by Ubc7, a Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme of the Protein Quality Control System (UBIQUITIN CHAINS)

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-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-01-01
End date: 2011-12-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cell function and viability are dependent upon proper protein folding. To avoid abnormal and toxic deposition of proteins, the cells recruit the ubiquitin-proteasome system, by which ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) and ubiquitin ligases (E3s) work together to assemble poly-ubiquitin chains on misfolded or misassembled proteins, to be marked for degradation by the 26S proteasome. With the maturation of the ubiquitin research field, a number of general principles have emerged about the enzymatic mechanisms of ubiquitin ligation to proteins. In particular, several high-resolution structures of different E2 and E3 enzymes have been determined, and these have yielded many insights into the mechanisms of ubiquitin-protein attachment. However, despite these advances, the fundamental mechanism(s) of ubiquitin-chain assembly remains unknown. The textbook version- which has not been proven incorrect- holds that ubiquitin molecules are added one at a time, first to the substrate protein and then to the distal end of the growing ubiquitin chain. Conversely, several recent publications have challenged this view by showing that polyubiquitin chains can pre-form on the catalytic cysteine of Ubc7, an E2 enzyme of the protein quality control ubiquitylation system, prior to transfer into a substrate. This led to our hypothesis that polyubiquitin-Ubc7 conjugates may represent an intermediate form, en route towards substrate ubiquitylation. Our specific aims are designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the enzymatic steps that precede substrate ubiquitylation in protein quality control pathways, with experimental emphasis on Ubc7-mediated ubiquitin chains catalysis. To this end, it is necessary to setup both cellular and cell-free ubiquitylation systems to provide the basic tools for our research. This will be accompanied by structure-function analyzes, to identify functional elements within Ubc7, and to evaluate their mode of action.

Keywords: biological sciences,ubiquitin-proteasome system,protein quality control,ubiquitin conjugating enzyme,endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation
Control of entangled electron spins on a chip (CEESC)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Condensed matter physics
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2007-StG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-07-01
End date: 2013-06-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1296000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1296000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The promise of nanoscience stems from the fundamentally new behavior that emerges at the nanoscale. Here, we propose to explore, control and exploit one of the most dramatic aspects of this unusual behavior: quantum entanglement of spins. Our nanoscale system of choice is an array of semiconductor quantum dots that each contain one single electron. Thanks to a string of recent breakthroughs, it is now possible to initialize, coherently manipulate and read out the spin state of one such electron, and to couple it coherently to a spin in a neighboring dot. Today, we are at the brink of a new era in this field, in which entanglement will play the central part. The primary goal of this proposal, therefore, is to experimentally demonstrate that electron spins in quantum dots can really be entangled, and to control this entanglement in time. We will then use this capability to implement various quantum information protocols such as quantum algorithms and teleportation, which intrinsically rely on entanglement to realize tasks that are classically impossible. In order to push the level of coherent control to its limits, we will suppress fluctuations in the normally uncontrolled spin environment, and pursue novel quantum dot technologies which offer an intrinsically ‘quiet’ environment. Our long-term dream is to demonstrate that the accuracy threshold for fault-tolerant quantum computation can be reached in this system, which would permit quantum coherence and entanglement to be preserved indefinitely. This research is presently very much at the stage of exploratory research and is bound to produce surprising and unexpected outcomes. Furthermore, we are convinced that pushing the frontier of quantum control in nanoscale devices has a real potential to lead to future quantum technologies.

Keywords: electron spin,quantum dot,entanglement,quantum information processing
New single-molecule techniques and their application in the study of DNA break repair (SM-DNA-REPAIR)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Condensed matter physics
Countries involved: Spain,United Kingdom,Spain
Call:  (ERC-2007-StG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-08-01
End date: 2013-07-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1624230.0
EU funding (EUR): 1624230.0
Participants: 3
Project status: CLOSED

Unrepaired DNA breaks can lead to genomic instability or cell death. They occur frequently during normal cellular metabolism and are caused, for example, by the collapse or stalling of the replication fork in response to DNA damage. Proper DNA-end processing and handling are essential for the survival of the cell and prevention of carcinogenesis. Cells possess robust mechanisms to repair DNA breaks. One such DNA repair mechanism is homologous recombination where the sister chromatid is used as a template for the faithful repair of the DNA break. In Bacteria, this pathway is initiated when a DNA end is processed to a 3-ssDNA overhang terminated at a recombination hotspot (Chi) sequence. This is a substrate for formation of a RecA nucleoprotein filament that catalyses strand exchange to promote repair. Recent data implicate the AddAB helicase-nuclease and the SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) complex in the DNA break processing mechanism of the model organism Bacillus subtilis. Interaction between these machines provides a molecular link between DNA dynamics and the initiation of DNA break processing that may co-ordinate replication fork collapse and DNA repair. Single-molecule manipulation and imaging techniques offer huge potential to investigate DNA break repair reactions in completely new ways, providing information that is inaccessible to conventional ensemble experiments. The aim of this project is two-fold: firstly, to develop novel biophysical instruments for fast Atomic Force Microscopy imaging in liquid and a combined Optical and Magnetic Tweezers setup; and secondly, to monitor and characterize the real-time dynamics of these DNA-repair processes using these new and complementary biophysical approaches. Single-molecule investigation will be supported by statistical analysis of the data and conventional bulk biochemical techniques.

Keywords: dna repair,addab enzyme,smc complex,atomic force microscopy,magnetic and optical tweezers
Quantitative Evolution (QUANTEVOL)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Neurosciences and neural disorders
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2007-StG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-07-01
End date: 2013-06-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 884400.0
EU funding (EUR): 884400.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In the context of unprecedented anthropogenic forcing in the living world, the speed and mechanisms of evolution remain the key to many questions ranging from pathogens adaptation to the dynamics of biodiversity. To what extent can evolutionary theory make predictions? What would be the time horizon of such predictions? These are the two questions I would like to address with this project. Experimental evolution with microbes is now a standard in studying evolution. It represents both unprecedented experimental progress in this field but also a real challenge to the theory. This project is organized into three parts. In the first, the aim is to develop mutation models to account for the diversity of possible mutation effects in evolutionary models. A major challenge is to be able to frame these models in terms of measurable quantities so that they can be tested and calibrated with appropriate data. The second aim is to build synthetic quantitative evolution models. Clearly, this development does not start from scratch. However, the development of current theory has to be made in two particular directions. First, it is necessary to incorporate the distribution of mutation fitness effects in evolutionary models. Second it is needed to incorporate explicit demography. In the third part, the aim is to develop empirical systems to confront the theory. One of the central issues is to develop biological models in which evolution can be measured on significant time scales. Microorganisms are ideal for this purpose and I will set up experiments with Escherichia coli to study niche evolution. However, it is also crucial to measure evolution in natura, so that I will also develop an alternative model system (Artemia spp.) with which field individuals several hundred generations apart can be compared and crossed. This unique model system will be particularly useful to test quantitative evolution models.

Keywords: adaptation,mutation,experimental evolution,theory
Regulation and function of non-coding RNAs in epigenetic processes: the paradigm of X-chromosome inactivation (NCRNAX)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Genetics,Genomics,Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2007-StG, 2007)
Start date: 2009-04-01
End date: 2014-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1220000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1220000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Some 150 years after the emergence of genetics, epigenetic mechanisms are increasingly understood to be fundamental players in phenotype transmission and development. In addition, epigenetic alterations are now linked to several human diseases including cancers. A common feature of many epigenetic phenomena, for which X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the paradigm, is the implication of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Regulatory ncRNAs belong to 2 major classes: (i) long ncRNAs, which can be transcribed from a single strand as well as in the opposite orientation when they may overlap with either protein-coding or non-coding genes. Both sense (Xist) and antisense (Tsix) ncRNAs control the initiation of XCI; and (ii) short ncRNAs, such as si- or miRNAs, which interfere, through different pathways, with gene function. The aim of this project is to gain insights into the regulation and function of ncRNAs in the control of gene expression program, using XCI as a model system. We propose to combine molecular genetics, embryology and cell biology to (1) decipher the transcriptional control of Xist and the coordinate regulation of the Xist/Tsix sense/antisense tandem in relation to developmental programs; (2) functionally characterise a novel ncRNA on the X chromosome which nests several miRNAs and for which preliminary data suggest a role in XCI and (3) develop a system to extend our knowledge of the regulatory stages of XCI in human through the use of human embryonic stem cells. Our comprehensive analysis of the function and regulation of ncRNAs in XCI has important implications for our understanding of the numerous diseases associated with abnormal patterns of inactivation and is a critical prerequisite to any subsequent therapeutic approaches. This project is in absolute adequacy with the future “Epigenetic and Cell Fate “ host centre co-headed by Prs. Lalande and Viegas-Pequignot, a large-scale initiative expected to strengthen French and European research in Epigenetics.

Keywords: x-chromosome inactivation chromatin modifications non-coding rnas
Irradiation of model biomolecular nano-systems (RAD-NANO-BIOMOL)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-2-ERG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-02-01
End date: 2011-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project is centered upon the experimental study of ionization induced processes in mixed clusters as model systems for complex environments. The first objective is to compare the irradiation of a molecule within a cluster with the case of the molecule in isolation, extending to the investigation of different types of radiation upon clusters of different sizes, compositions, and charge. In addition to their relevance to fundamental aspects of molecular and statistical physics, these experiments will help to bridge the “complexity gap” between the current understanding of radiation effects in the gas phase and in a biological medium. This represents a major current research challenge for physicists, chemists, and biologists, with important applications in quantifying the effects of radiation exposure, in particular during cancer therapies. A mobile cluster source will be constructed at the Open University (UK) in order to carry out 2-photon ionization experiments which probe the effects of solvated water molecules upon the excited states of DNA and RNA base molecules and the associated dissociation pathways. The apparatus will be transported to Queen’s University Belfast to perform the first ion impact experiments upon these model systems, enabling analogies to be drawn with processes initiated in hadron-therapy treatments. Further novel experiments will be carried out at the Nuclear Physics Institute of Lyon probing collisions between protons and mass-selected nucleobase-water cluster ions. The integrated research program will advance the understanding of the roles of specific molecules and inter-molecular processes in radiation induced damage to DNA and can thereby improve the reliability of bio-medical simulations. An MC reintegration grant is sought for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer and to finance a PhD studentship in partnership with the Open University: key elements to enhance the development and impact of this research.

Keywords: biomolecular clusters,hydrated dna & rna bases,laser 2-photon ionization,singly & multiply charged ion impact,electronic excitation,fragmentation,mass spectrometry,coincidence detection
Hormonal cross-talk in plant organogenesis (HCPO)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Molecular and Structural Biology and Biochemistry
Countries involved: Austria,Belgium
Call:  (ERC-2007-StG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-07-01
End date: 2014-03-31
Duration (months): 69.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1300000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1300000.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Growth and development of plants are regulated by signalling substances such as hormones. In plants, interactions between hormonal pathways represent crucial factors that govern their action. As the molecular basis for such hormonal cross-talk remains largely unknown, we will investigate the underlying mechanisms with a special focus on regulation of postembryonic organogenesis. We consider lateral root formation in Arabidopsis as an ideally suited model system, because it encompasses fundamental aspects of plant growth and development, such as dedifferentiation, re-entry into the cell cycle, coordinated cell divisions and differentiation. Furthermore, in lateral root formation, these processes are controlled by multiple hormonal pathways. In our proposal, we will focus on four main research directions. 1. Convergence of hormonal pathways on transport-dependent auxin distribution upstream of lateral root formation. Here, we want to identify key points in which auxin and other signalling pathways converge during lateral root formation and the molecular components involved in the process. 2. Role of auxin-cytokinin interaction in lateral root formation. Molecular events involved in auxin-cytokinin regulated lateral root formation will be studied by transcriptome analysis. 3. Identification of components of hormonal cross-talk by genetic approaches. Using lateral root formation as a model, we will perform mutant screens that will specifically target interactions between selected hormonal pathways. The spectrum of identified molecular components will be further expanded by a chemical genomics approach. 4. Formulation of general models for hormonal regulation of organogenesis. The acquired knowledge on molecular networks and their mutual interactions will be used to mathematically model lateral root development and to extrapolate them also on other developmental situations.

Keywords: organogenesis,hormonal cross-talk,arabidopsis
Structure and dynamics of marine rocky benthic communities: Reactions and perspectives facing the global change (MAREA)

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-2007-2-2-ERG, 2007)
Start date: 2007-09-01
End date: 2010-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Marine benthic communities have suffered long-term decline due to a range of anthropogenic disturbances and threat from climate change. The need to collect long-term data sets has been stressed by marine ecologists because such data provide baselines to verify trends in the structure and dynamics of marine communities. Long-term approaches produce meaningful data, essential for the successful management of marine ecosystems and their conservation. Therefore, the aim of this proposal is to study the ecological structure and dynamics of Mediterranean littoral rocky benthic communities highly diverse and characterized by sessile long-lived species and low dynamics. These communities are considered particularly sensitive to climate change. This proposal attempts to integrate complementary approaches to enhance our ecological knowledge on marine benthos and their potential changes triggered by climate change. The proposed project will focus on 1) the analysis of structure and dynamics of benthic communities over long-term periods by analysing demographic traits of representative species and applying landscape ecology, 2) the study of population genetics of these species and the correlation of genetic frequencies with the spatial distances within the current landscape. The combination of photographic series, spatial statistics, geographical information systems and molecular markers will enable a better understanding on processes at finer spatial scales. The scientific knowledge gained in this proposal will substantially help to understand and predict trajectories of benthic littoral communities at different temporal and spatial scales driven by global warming and will contribute to better inform and advice strategies for biological conservation.

Keywords: natural sciences,biodiversity status and trends,conservation biology,population genetics,aquatic biology,animal ecology,landscape ecology,marine ecosystems (climate change),ecology