Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence Mechanisms: the Luciferin-Luciferase Complex and Luminol (UBCM)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-10-01
End date: 2012-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172828.6
EU funding (EUR): 172828.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

As complex processes that they are, the knowledge about the chemiluminescence and bioluminescence phenomena is still being built up. Although much progress was done during the past decades, many mysteries remain unsolved. The mechanism of the complete luciferin-luciferase complex of the firefly is to date not understood in all its details, particularly, the light emitting species is still not conclusively determined. The chemiluminescence mechanism of the luminol molecule is unknown. The aim of this proposal is to apply the unique QM(SA-CASSCF/MS-CASPT2)/MM methodology as recently implemented in the MOLCAS program to understand these processes. Initially, the study of the luciferin-luciferase bioluminescence will be carried out to characterise the mechanism of this process. In a subsequent step the chemical origin of the multicolour bioluminescence will be analysed by applying the QM/MM approach to the wild-type and different mutant luciferin-luciferases. The chemiluminescence mechanism of luminol will be studied after that, by using the multiconfigurational methodology. The results will allow to establish the molecular basis of these processes and characterise them with accuracy, and will be a great impact for accurate studies of photochemical and biochemical processes of biological interest, also contributing to the future development of energy saving technologies and novel analysis processed as in medical applications. By means of the proposed project, the fellow will reach a great expertise in the field of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry by strengthening his skills in the use of the CASSCF/CASPT2 methodology, acquiring much more experience with the employment of the QM/MM approach, and learning about the MOLCAS source code. The fellowship will allow the applicant to develop a promising scientific career to the European level.

Keywords: theoretical chemistry,photochemistry,chemiluminescence,bioluminescence,qm/mm
Chinese Perceptions of Democracy (CHINESEDEMOCRACY)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-12-19
End date: 2013-12-18
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173903.2
EU funding (EUR): 173903.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Whether or not China can evolve peacefully from a one-party state into a modern democracy is a critical question for China and for the rest of the world. As its economy is predicted to catch up with the US in size in another decade or two, this issue becomes even more important globally. Chinese leaders often speak of democracy as a long-term goal, but exactly what they mean by the term is usually left unclear, and censorship of the media in China means that open public debate on the issue is not yet possible. Differences between the EU and China over human rights in recent years have exposed a huge gulf between Chinese and Europeans in terms of political values. This can often result in serious disruption, as happened last December with the cancellation of a China-EU summit. To many Chinese the legitimacy of the one-party state is justified by its outstanding sustained performance in terms of fast economic growth over 30 years. A recent survey has shown that a high percentage of support for democratic values in China is paralleled by a high percentage of satisfaction with the current authoritarian regime. This project, carried out by one of China's top think tanks, CASS, in partnership with one of Europe's leading centres for research on China, will examine this apparent contradiction by exploring Chinese perceptions of democracy through document analysis and in-depth interviews. The aim is to predict the direction of Chinese political reforms by investigating the perceptions of democracy held by different segments of Chinese society and exploring the differences between their perceptions and those of Europeans. This project will help the EU and its member states to develop more effective engagement strategies towards China and other authoritarian regimes. It is also part of a comprehensive plan to expand the China Policy Institute at Nottingham into Europe's main centre for the study of political reform and democratization in China.

Keywords: political value,democracy,chinese studies,opinion survey,political science,governance,policy studies,sociology,international relations,development policy,public administration
Developmental Transcription Factors in Dopamine Neuron Maintenance (DOPAMINE NEURON CODE)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-07-01
End date: 2012-12-31
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180669.4
EU funding (EUR): 180669.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Understanding mechanisms underlying the generation of diverse neuronal subtypes is one of the major challenges in current neuroscience research. Our interest is focused on midbrain dopamine (mdDA) neurons. These cells are essential for the control of multiple brain functions, including movement, emotion and reward, and dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of several mental and neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Extensive studies have identified critical regulatory pathways in cell fate specification and differentiation of mdDA neurons. Several transcription factors with well-established roles in such early events continue to be expressed in neurons at late maturation and in the adult. However, virtually no information on how they function at these late stages is available for any neuron type, including mdDA neurons. Since mutations have been identified in some of these factors in cases of PD it can be speculated that they contribute to a transcription factor network that is essential for maintaining the integrity of adult mdDA neurons. The aim of this project is to characterize the function of transcription factors expressed in late maturation and adult mdDA neurons. The following main approaches will be taken: i) comprehensive expression analyses in the mouse of mdDA neuron developmental transcription factors at late maturation and adult stages; ii) analysis of gene expression and promoter occupancy in postmitotic mdDA neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells after genetic manipulation by lentiviral vectors; iii) usage of conditional gene targeting in mouse for late ablation of transcription factor genes followed by comprehensive phenotypic analyses. Taken together we envision that these studies will begin to elucidate a transcription factor network that contributes to the maintenance and plasticity of neurons, and will be relevant for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and for advancing methods in regenerative medicine.

Keywords: health sciences,developmental biology,cell biology,neurosciences,parkinson disease
Images of Organized Sex: The Pornography Industry in India and Sweden (POST)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Netherlands,Sweden
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-08-10
End date: 2016-11-06
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 233417.59
EU funding (EUR): 233417.59
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of the project is to inquire into the gendered commercial-industrial bases of pornography within the dynamics of transnationalisation and to critically examine the regulatory policies that pertain to it. Despite the size and influence of the industry, there is little research and information available on its commercial-industrial aspects. Research will be carried out in India and Sweden, both welfare states with pro-abolitionist stands on commercial sex-work. Both governments are concerned with systemic and sexualised violence against women and children. Both are concerned with the spread of the industry and the impact of new technologies of convergence on it. Yet while Sweden does not practice censorship by and large, India has a large, active and complex censorship regime. The research will draw on postcolonial feminist political economy approaches. Over 24 months, the project will undertake a comparative study of the porn industries of both countries. It will 1. Carry out fieldwork in both countries; 2. track networks of commercial-industrial relationships; 3. examine all pertinent legislation and policies; 4. analyse the ways in which patriarchy and technology impact on and structure the phenomenon of porn; 5. Disseminate findings through diverse methods throughout the project period. The anticipated impacts of the project are 1. The reconceptualisation of porn as a set of representational practices that are inseparable from the conditions of their production. 2. To draw attention to the many and varied stakes in maintaining the porn industry 3. To broach a debate on the vast Indian porn industry. 4. To make the Nordic debates and the Swedish case available to a larger intellectual community. 5. A strengthened collaboration between EU and India especially on issues of gender-equity and justice. 6. To provide information for policy-makers.

Keywords: pornography,gender,sexuality,patriarchy,media technology,transnationalisation,intersectionality
Defining regulators of hematopoietic stem cell homing and engraftment (HEMHOME)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-07-01
End date: 2013-02-24
Duration (months): 31.0
Total project cost (EUR): 171828.6
EU funding (EUR): 171828.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is a life-saving treatment for many serious diseases. Unfortunately, the procedure is often hampered by insufficient numbers of donor stem cells and attempts to expand HSCs ex vivo prior to transplantation have remained unsuccessful. An important alternative, which significantly would reduce the required number of donor cells, is to enhance the engraftment efficiency of the transplanted HSCs. The aim of this project is to identify factors that regulate homing and adhesion of HSCs using an RNA interference based screening approach. The principle of the approach is to use lentiviral short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) libraries targeted to HSCs to screen for modifiers of cell adhesion. Adhesive interactions with extracellular matrix and surrounding cells, the so-called niche, are essential for HSC biology. Mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs) will be used as a model for the adhesive interactions in the hematopoietic niche. When seeded on a layer of MSCs, the vast majority of human HSCs remain adherent to the MSCs. These highly adhesive properties of HSCs constitute a baseline for functional selection of shRNAs interfering with adhesion. Large numbers of HSCs will be targeted with pooled shRNA libraries and candidate shRNAs will be retrieved by functional selection of cells with reduced adhesive properties. The method has been standardized using shRNAs targeting the known mediator of cell adhesion, CD29 (β1 integrin). Knock down of CD29 in HSCs dramatically decreased their adhesion to MSCs. Candidate genes from the screens will be characterized for their role in homing and engraftment of HSCs by assays in vitro as well as in vivo through the ability to repopulate bone marrow of immundeficient NOD/SCID mice. Understanding the basic mechanisms that regulate homing and adhesion of HSCs to their niche is essential in order to develop strategies that may enhance the engraftment process in clinical settings.

Keywords: medicine,hematopoiesis,stem cell biology,homing
Development of a Novel Vector for Cancer Gene Therapy for Clinical Application (ORAL-GT-VECTOR)

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: Ireland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-05-01
End date: 2012-10-31
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 283465.5
EU funding (EUR): 283465.5
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Background: The applicant has generated a body of research work in the field of gene therapy for cancer. Our recent research has shown that oral administration of Bifidobacteria to mice results in translocation from the Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GIT) with subsequent homing to and replication specifically in tumours, providing high-level gene expression confined to tumours. These findings indicate potential for treatment and/or detection of cancer via ingestion of non-pathogenic bacteria. We have filed patents protecting this technology. Project Aim To further improve this technology and validate its potential for clinical use. Rationale Further skill sets are required to progress this research. These involve availing of state-of-the art expertise in cancer gene therapy and diagnostic techniques, as well as experience in advancing preclinical research to clinical trial. The US has 996 active gene therapy clinical trials featuring a range of vectors including bacteria. There are no active cancer gene therapy clinical trials in Europe using bacteria, while Ireland has yet to bring any gene therapy to trial. Lack of activity locally constrains the logical progression of the research of the applicant and his institution. Prof. Noriyuki Kasahara’s laboratory (proposed outgoing host) at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles is internationally renowned for cancer gene therapy research and is part of the Digestive Diseases Research Center, which specialises in GIT biology. UCLA also hosts the Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, making this host uniquely suited to the proposed research in developing a gastrointestinal bacterial vector for cancer gene therapy and/or diagnosis. These centres are within a clinical facility with active clinical trials, in a biotechnology industry rich region. This fellowship will strengthen Europe’s collaborative links with world-leading groups, and equip the applicant with skills for his future research.

Keywords: health sciences,anticancer therapy,gene therapy,bacteria
Characterization of widespread uropathogenic multidrug resistant Escherichia coli clones by using a combined approach of conventional genotypic methods and high-throughput technology (ECOCHAR)

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: Portugal
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-06-01
End date: 2012-10-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 153864.4
EU funding (EUR): 153864.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

One of the most worrying issues in public health is the recent and dramatic increase of hospital and community acquired infections mediated by uropathogenic (UPEC) multidrug resistant Escherichia coli clones. Recent epidemiological studies highlighted the implication of specific E. coli lineages from different genetic backgrounds in the spread of particular antibiotic resistance genes in wide geographic areas and settings. However, the reasons motivating their fast emergence and amplification and/or the factors influencing pathogenicity, adhesion and persistence are poorly understood, hindering the design of measures to curtail their spread. To gain insights into the role of these clonal groups, it would be necessary to extend the knowledge on their global distribution, identify transmission pathways and deepen in the characterization of their virulence and pathogenic profile. High-throughput methods could be valuable to complement genotypic methods in the identification of targets for clinically relevant clones’ detection, and to optimize global surveillance approaches. Although an appropriate validation and selection of statistical analysis methods is needed to consolidate their application in medical microbiology, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has proved to be discriminatory at different bacterial taxonomic levels and might be a promising tool to assist large-scale epidemiological studies. We propose to apply a multidisciplinary and dynamic approach encompassing FTIR and conventional genotypic methods for identification and characterization of representative UPEC-multidrug resistant E. coli clones, recently responsible for the spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamases. This proposal includes fundamental research EU high priority areas with potential translation to human health, and the application of innovative and multidisciplinary strategies promoting research’s cooperativeness, inter-sectoral transfer of knowledge and global competitiveness.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance,extended-spectrum beta-lactamase,bacterial typing,escherichia coli,upec,clonal spread,virulence,pathogenicity,biofilm,fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,chemometry
THE ROLE OF BACTERIAL MULTIGENE FAMILIES IN INFECTION: IDENTIFICATION OF HOST TARGET NETWORKS BY HIGH-THROUGHPUT PROTEIN INTERACTOMICS (INFBIOSYS)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-07-01
End date: 2012-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173240.8
EU funding (EUR): 173240.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The genomes of pathogenic bacteria often contain multiple copies of genes with similar sequence. The encoded proteins are generally secreted or associated with the bacterial surface and are thus likely to be involved in the host-pathogen interaction. However, the functions of these multigene families in pathogenesis remain largely unknown. We will investigate the role of bacterial multigene family proteins in the host-pathogen interaction taking a Systems Biology-based approach. We will focus on two model pathogen-specific virulence-related proteins families: the Inl (internalin) proteins from the gram-positive genus Listeria, and the Vap (virulence-associated) proteins from Rhodococcus equi, a pathogenic actinomycete related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). We will also investigate the Mce and PE/PPE proteins, which are distributed among several pathogenic actinobacteria including R. equi and MTB. Different members of these multigene families are found in genotypes or species differing in virulence and pathogenic tropism. Our hypothesis is that the specific multigene complements carried by the different “pathovars” contribute to their distinct pathogenic properties. We will address the research question by systematically identifying binding partners to the investigated proteins and relevant domains thereof by interaction proteomics using high-throughput yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screens with large host (mammalian) cDNA prey libraries. We will then apply bioinformatics tools and network analysis to define the host subcellular compartments and functional networks and pathways targeted by the bacterial multigene family proteins, and the global contribution of the identified interactions to pathogenesis. Microbial surface-associated and excreted proteins are at the forefront of the host-pathogen interplay, mediating adherence/colonisation, subverting host pathways, or modulating innate or acquired immunity.

Keywords: health sciences
Identification of Genes Controlling Senescence in Human Epithelial Cells: Role in Cancer (EPITHELIALSENESCENCE)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-04-01
End date: 2013-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 171740.8
EU funding (EUR): 171740.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cellular senescence was originally described as the cell cycle arrest that accompanies the exhaustion of replicative potential in cultured primary mammalian cells. Whereas ‘replicative’ senescence is triggered by telomere erosion, other stimuli such as activated oncogenes, oxidative stress, DNA damage and sub-optimal culture conditions can also induce a senescent phenotype called ‘premature’ senescence or ‘stasis’. Senescence acts as a potent antitumor mechanism. Malignant transformation occurs after the bypass of senescence caused by mutations in oncogenes and tumour suppressors. Thus, novel genes linked with oncogenesis can be isolated by identifying genes regulating senescence. As the majority of solid tumours arise from cells of epithelial origin, the aim of the current project is to identify genes controlling senescence in epithelial cells. Specifically, human prostate epithelial cells (HprECs) will be studied as the corresponding prostate cancer represents the most frequent cancer amongst men. A genetic screening for senescence bypass will be performed in these cells using a retroviral shRNA library. The validated genes will be prioritized thanks to a parallel microarray based-analysis of transcriptional changes associated with senescence in HPrECs and to existing databases that evaluate expression profiles in human tumours. The expression of the relevant candidates will be then confirmed in a wider and independent subset of clinical tumour samples using tissue micro-array. Finally, the oncogenic properties of the candidate genes will be analysed in several models of tumourigenesis. Overall, the investigation described here aims at using senescence as a system to identify novel tumour suppressor genes.

Keywords: senescence,cancer,screen,shrna,microarray