Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Decoding alpha motor neurons diversity and selective vulnerability to disease (MOVEMeNt)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Reintegration panel
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Italy
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2020-02-01
End date: 2022-01-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 183473.28
EU funding (EUR): 183473.28
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Alpha motor neurons (aMN) are a clinically relevant neuronal population that selectively degenerates in neuromuscular diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Distinct classes of aMNs (SFR, FFR and FF) degenerate at different rate in these diseases, with the fast fatigable (FF) MNs degenerating first. The molecular mechanisms underlying this selective vulnerability are only partially known. Understanding the molecular logics that shape the identity and function of aMN subtypes in vivo is directly relevant to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Here I propose to harmonically integrate my solid background in dissecting the molecular fingerprints of distinct neuronal subtypes in adult mice by undertaking new technologies I pioneered at Harvard University, with new skills and knowledge I will build at the Host Institution, which will be critical for the successful achievement of my goal. The overreaching goal of MOVEMeNt is to identify the molecular substrate of disease vulnerability in aMNs. I will (Aim 1) isolate and FACS-purify aMN-nuclei from adult mouse spinal cords, based on the specific expression of aMN markers. Single cell transcriptomic analysis will reveal class-specific molecular fingerprints, including factors playing key roles in suptype-specific development, function, and disease vulnerability. I will also (Aim2) analyze the transcriptional changes of differentially vulnerable aMN classes upon retrograde labeling and functional denervation by neurotoxin intoxication. This work will return candidate genes directly controlling terminal sprouting and remodeling, critical steps that disease-resistant aMN subtypes normally undertake for neuronal loss compensation upon insult. More broadly, I aim to contribute in filling an important knowledge gap by generating the first transcriptomic roadmap of aMN subtypes, and pinpointing at new candidates for therapy development.

Keywords: neuronal diversity,vulnerability,ff mn,adult,spinal cord,remodeling,neurotoxin,single cell,sbma
Discovery of intrinsically disordered sequences conferring desiccation survival (Desiccation Survival)

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: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2019-04-01
End date: 2021-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 212933.76
EU funding (EUR): 212933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Desiccation is a form of stress wherein extremely dry conditions cause intracellular proteins to unfold and aggregate irreversibly, resulting in cell-death. How do cells and organisms survive desiccation is a fundamental question in biology. Cytosolic Abundant Heat Soluble (CAHS) proteins, a family of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) in tardigrades (a phylum of micro-animals), have been shown to be important for their survival during long periods of dryness. Under desiccation condition, CAHS proteins undergo glass-transition and gelation to form vitrified solids that protect intracellular proteins from unfolding and aggregation. However, the features of CAHS proteins that confer protection are unknown. Here, I aim to unravel the sequence determinants of CAHS protein functions, by addressing 3 specific questions: Aim 1: What are the sequence features that promote glass-transition and gelation in CAHS proteins? Aim 2: Can we discover new sequences that can rescue cells from desiccation? Aim 3: What is the sequence-to-function paradigm underlying IDP-mediated desiccation survival? I will (i) perform computational analysis of existing CAHS proteins to extract their sequence features to design a library for adequate sampling of the sequence space; (ii) screen the library with a high-throughput survival-based assay and validate the hits both in vitro and in vivo; (iii) analyse the results with machine learning algorithms to generate characteristic sequence features underlying protective glass-transition. The learned features will be tested by rationally designing and screening a new sequence library for desiccation survival. This project will provide fundamental sequence-level understanding of how IDPs promote stress response, specifically via glass-transition during desiccation. Moreover, the materials and pipeline generated and the findings of this study will aid in engineering functional biomaterials.

Keywords: intrinsically disordered protein,desiccation survival,sequence features,machine learning,biomaterial
Market Impact through Disruptive Innovation in Clean Energy Technologies (MI_DICE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Secure, clean and efficient energy
Theme: Low-cost, low-carbon energy supply
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: Support to disruptive innovation in clean energy technologies (H2020-IBA-SC3-CLEAN-2018-2, 2018)
Start date: 2019-02-01
End date: 2022-08-31
Duration (months): 43.0
Total project cost (EUR): 990315.5
EU funding (EUR): 990315.5
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

MI_DICE is a Pilot Action to support market uptake of disruptive energy technologies. Pre-selected H2020 projects will be supported at early-stage research (TRL3/4) with a systemic approach to commercialization. The approach complements developments in the technology dimension (the TRL) with Intellectual Property (IP), market, access to finance, as well as regulation/legislation. A stage-gate methodology will be followed. The first stage will establish the path to commercialization (Feasibility Study), after which a decision will be taken by DG RTD about the progress or termination of the selected Project. If green light is given, selected Projects will develop along the technology as well as the other dimensions. Progress and probability for impact in the market will be (re-)assessed every six months and another gate decision will be taken by DG RTD. MI_DICE will support the Feasibility Study as well as subsequent stages with proven tools and experienced experts. At each step of the stage gating process, insights and lessons learnt with respect to market uptake will be shared with DG RTD.

Keywords: disruptive innovation,market uptake,market impact,clean energy technology,de risking business,case
Remote and Offline Ultrasound Image Analysis Platform (iNNOGING)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Innovation in SMEs
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Israel
Call: SME instrument (H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-1, 2019)
Start date: 2019-08-01
End date: 2020-01-31
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Ultrasound is a dynamic real time technology and very much operator dependent. Every week around 10 million medical ultrasound exams are performed globally. Around 90% of ultrasound procedures are done by an operator who captures the “image freeze” picture of the site of interest and delivers the scans to the physician in charge who “off-line” analyses the scans and elaborates the diagnosis. This workflow conceals the Pandora’s box of inefficiencies and, even worse, misdiagnoses in ultrasound imaging: the radiologist is only a viewer and the static images or video clip of the case available do not allow him to see what he really wants to see, preventing losing crucial data only available in real time during the patient’s scan. This leads to patients’ recalls, adoption of more expensive imaging techniques or, in the worse cases, misdiagnoses. iNNOGING's mission is to revolutionise the medical ultrasound workflow by providing a novel solution to enable every radiologist to remotely see and analyse offline ultrasound scans as if he was next to the patient, transforming the video clip taken by commercial ultrasound probes into a 3D representation of the scanned area that can be manipulated, analyzed and evaluated – just like an actual ultrasound examination. The system is made of proprietary probe and pad, which coupled with our image processing algorithms provide radiologists with a seamless data of the actual ultrasound exam. In an industry currently worth around 6B€ globally and traditionally focussed on a slow innovation pace, we see an enormous market creating potential for a workflow innovation providing benefits to radiologists, patients and National Healthcare Services. To capture this opportunity, we plan to sell the Innoging solution to hospitals and clinics through a pay- per-use business model (10€/exam), which is expected to allow us to generate recurring revenues projected to reach 25M€ by 2025 (around 0.5% of the ultrasound imaging market).

Keywords: ultrasound,medical imaging
Quantum Conductance of Neutral Gas Molecules (QCNGas)

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: Physics
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-08-01
End date: 2022-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 212933.76
EU funding (EUR): 212933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We propose to design a new insert with a sample-holder and investigate quantum aspects of flow (gas) conductance as a function of temperature (T) down to 4K by exploiting de Broglie wavelength for neutral helium (He) atoms through an atomically-flat rectangular graphene nanochannel in a molecular flow regime. By confining the vertical length of the transport channel and tuning the associated de Broglie wavelength (with T), the realization of the quantum limited conductance for He gas flow, similar to the observed quantum signatures of conductance for electrons, seems to be truly within the experimental reach. The behaviour of the wall switches over to more rigid (lowering atomic vibrations) from flexible one at room T which not only enhances the specular reflection but also the phase coherence of the associated de Broglie wavelength. We will investigate the transport properties using layered materials from transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) family to induce ballistic transport from the diffusive transport regime at room T via Laser-irradiation and chemical roots which will heal the defects in TMDs at atomic scale. Our investigations will help in search of more materials to have the ballistic transport around room T. Our focus will not only be on the enhanced flow due to quantum effects but also the understanding from fundamental physics point of view as well as exploring in broader perspective. The strategy of the project is to design a setup for low-T, making state-of-the-art devices, investigate the quantum signatures of conductance of nanoscale channels and address various important issues. Completion of the multidisciplinary project will open up a new era where various novel intriguing physics need to be explored further, understanding of quantum gas transport will boost many biomedical and industrial applications, next generation devices using gas sensors and properties of thermal transport exploited to extract heat will be tuned with enhanced performance.

Keywords: rarefied gas dynamics,molecular transport,knudsen flow regime,specular reflection,nanoscale gas flow
Historical East African Archaeology and Theory: A framework for historical archaeology and identity formation (HEAAT)

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: Social Sciences and Humanities
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2021-09-01
End date: 2024-01-21
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 224933.76
EU funding (EUR): 224933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

HEAAT aims to develop a multidisciplinary, theory-focused and data-driven research framework and agenda for East African historical archaeology that will privilege the research of the internal dynamics of African communities and account for the region’s history of complex identities. By investigating a 200-year, high-resolution record of material culture and identity change among the Ilchamus community in Kenya, from c. 1800 to the present, the action will identify when and why certain objects are chosen as identity markers and how identities are negotiated, addressing questions raised by recent historical research. Historical archaeology in Africa has been drawn into a Eurocentric discussion with a focus on colonial disruption, pushing aside studies of communities in their own right and investment into archaeological theory in the region. Moreover, existing historical archaeological frameworks are not adapted to the African social and historical contexts, its alternative information sources and the multi-layered and multi-scalar identities that characterise the landscape, thus emphasizing the need to develop new approaches. To achieve its goal, the theory-focused action includes the investigation of old and new archaeological, archival, oral historical, GIS and other materials already collected, and training in ethnoarchaeology and multivariate statistics. Special emphasis is put on training in theoretical thought (with a focus on materiality, collective action and assemblage theories) as the most significant component of the action. The action will stimulate global discussions on identity formation in archaeology and anthropology, and it will facilitate cross-disciplinary interaction between history, anthropology and archaeology, which currently follow separate lines of research in the region. Through the advanced training, the ER will advance his career prospects in academia and establish long-lasting multidisciplinary research networks.

Keywords: historical archaeology,theory,ethnoarchaeology,identity change,east africa,quantitative analyses,materiality,oral history
Industrial scale-up of Pulsed Electric Fields technology for natural fruit juice processing (PUREJUICE)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research and the bioeconomy
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Portugal
Call: Resource-efficient eco-innovative food production and processing (H2020-SMEINST-1-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2016-03-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 6.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The increasing consumers’ interest in minimally processed foods, with high nutritional values and more “fresh-like” characteristics is pushing food processors towards the search for viable alternatives with respect to already settled procedures used for Mass Transfer processes. Through the PUREJUICE project, Energy Pulse Systems (EPS) will validate the implementation of a novel Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) system within the juice production lines of different fruit matrices: pear, red fruits/berries, tropical fruit, stone fruit and grapes. PUREJUICE constitutes a promising alternative or complement to the standard enzymatic maceration stage for the pre-treatment of raw materials in fruit juice processing. Starting from remarkable results obtained with the EPULSUS technology applied to “natural” apple juice production within the industrial facility of a global producer, PUREJUICE aims to prove the technological and economic feasibility of the application of the Apple solution to the processing of other fruits. The technological feasibility evaluation will be carried out by analysing the current production process for the selected fruits, followed by the experimental validation of the performances of PUREJUICE with sample batches collected from the customers, and the estimation of the impact of the PUREJUICE implementation on the overall process. In parallel, the economic feasibility study will be focused on ensuring that the PUREJUICE technology represents a sustainable business opportunity for EPS. Our objective is to manufacture and distribute the new system, with the purpose to provide customer companies operating in natural fruit juice processing with a clear competitive edge through the achievement of three main goals: 1) extraction yield increase, 2) enhancement of nutritional/organoleptic properties of processed material, 3) improvement of economic/environmental sustainability of the entire process.

Keywords: pulsed electric fields
Regulation and consequences of LRRK2 phosphorylation, a path to Parkinson’s disease therapy and diagnostics (RECOLOR)

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: France
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-06-01
End date: 2017-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 185076.0
EU funding (EUR): 185076.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, currently incurable. Studies in the PD field show that leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is both a major player in PD pathogenesis and a promising PD therapeutic target. LRRK2 functions in health and disease are not defined; however the applicant and others have shown that LRRK2 phosphorylation is the key to understanding LRRK2 biology. This project’s goal is therefore to understand the role of LRRK2 phosphorylation in PD by pursuing 3 specific aims: 1) elucidate the regulation of LRRK2 phosphorylation by phosphatases, 2) determine LRRK2 phosphorylation downstream phenotypes in cellular models through transcriptome profiling, protein translation profiling and protein tau related phenotypes, and 3) verify these findings from experimental models in PD biosamples. The project builds on the applicant’s extensive expertise in the field of LRRK2 biology (24 papers in 8 years) required for aim 1 and will leverage expertise on PD biosample analysis of the host institution (training for aims 2 and 3). The research program will be performed at the JPA research center (a mixed Inserm-Lille 2 University-Lille University Hospital center for excellence research, Lille, France), with a network of strategically chosen collaborating research groups locally and internationally, coordinated by the applicant. The study of LRRK2 phosphorylation in experimental models and translation of experimental results to clinical samples will reveal the most relevant molecular mechanisms of LRRK2 in PD which can be exploited in follow up work as diagnostic biomarkers and targeted for disease-modifying therapy. Given the importance of PD and neurodegeneration in Europe, this project is fertile ground for a high visibility fellowship and will reposition the applicant in the international neurodegenerative diseases research community by adding a clinical translation dimension to his signalling neurobiologist profile.
The epigenetic basis of early-life effects in a wild bird exposed to urban environmental stress (URBANEPIGENETICS)

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: Environment and Geosciences
Countries involved: Sweden
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-04-01
End date: 2017-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 185857.2
EU funding (EUR): 185857.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The impact of urbanisation on wildlife is of increasing global concern. It is well known that exposure to urban environmental stressors increases oxidative stress. More recently, exposure to pollutants has been shown to directly modify the epigenome, via DNA methylation, in humans. Oxidative stress may be a key mechanism mediating epigenetic modifications in response to pollutant exposure and thereby influencing development, disease resistance and ageing. This multidisciplinary project outlines the first study to date of the epigenetic basis of early-life effects in a wild bird exposed to urban environmental stress. Early-life stress exposure can have profound effects on phenotypic development and long-term fitness. Epigenetic mechanisms are influenced by environmental cues during development and therefore may mechanistically link developmental conditions with later-life performance. Using urban and rural populations of birds, we will perform experimental studies in the field and lab to examine whether increased oxidative stress during development modifies patterns of global and gene-specific DNA methylation and thereby alters genome stability (via DNA damage and telomere attrition) and expression of antioxidant genes. To achieve this, we propose a new framework to explain how the modification of DNA methylation and telomere length may be linked and decoupled by the direct and indirect effects of oxidative stress at different stages during development. Pilot data support this framework. This will enable us to disentangle the mechanistic relationships between exposure to urban stressors, oxidative stress, DNA methylation and telomere dynamics during development and the consequences for growth and survival in an altricial bird species. The project has implications for multiple EU policies and H2020 focus areas. By combining the researcher’s existing expertise with new skills and opportunities, the project will enhance career prospects and advance the research field.

Keywords: urban ecology,oxidative stress,telomere dynamics,environmental stress,early life stress,avian,dna methylation,parus major