Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Functional in vivo two-photon imaging of fear memory traces in identified neuronal networks of the amygdala (AMYGDALA IMAGING)

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: Switzerland
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

Memory formation is one of the most sophisticated and fascinating functions of the nervous system. Our brains remain plastic throughout life and enable us to store and access an amount of information that no computer could cope with. While the physiological mechanisms underlying learning have been studied extensively using in vitro preparations, much less is known about how memories are stored at the level of local neuronal circuits in the intact animal. This is an essential question since the dynamic interaction of neurons in their networks is absolutely critical to any form of higher brain function. This proposal outlines a strategy to elucidate how memory formation and extinction alters the activation patterns of local, identified neuronal networks. We will apply a novel and multi-disciplinary approach which combines the recently devised technique of in vivo two-photon calcium imaging using GRIN lenses with established molecular (transgenic mouse lines) and behavioural (fear conditioning) approaches. This will enable us to optically record the activity of many neurons simultaneously and to discern the two major neuronal populations, principal neurons and interneurons, which have opposing roles in the brain. This strategy will be used to study how fear memories manifest themselves in the mouse amygdala. In addition, we will characterise the mechanisms of fear generalisation and extinction. These phenomena are implicated in several human anxiety disorders which afflict an estimated 13% of the population in the EU. Our results will help to better understand the underlying causes of these conditions and potentially reveal novel strategies for pharmaceutical intervention. In addition, this research will define novel concepts on memory storage at the network level, which will be of great interest to the scientific community as well as society at large.

Keywords: health sciences,neurosciences,neurophysiology,learning,memory trace,neuronal network activity,interneurons,fear conditioning,extinction,in vivo,2-photon calcium imaging,transgenic animals,behaviour
COMPUTER SIMULATIONS OF OPTICAL AND TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN CARBON NANOTUBES (NANOPHENSIM)

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: Bulgaria
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

The growing realisation of the immense potential for applications of the carbon nanotubes has attracted much attention of scientists. Presently, the nanotube research has become one of the most intensively developing areas of nanotechnology. The principal reason for the amazing electronic and vibrational properties of the nanotubes stems in their quasi-one-dimensionality. The initially existing principal obstacle of normally very large nanotube unit cells, which hindered most of the atomistic simulations on perfect nanotubes, has recently been overcome by using of the screw symmetry of the nanotubes. This allowed for large-scale calculations of phonon dispersion and electronic structure, as well as various optical, thermal, and mechanic properties, of any nanotube of practical interest. The principal objectives of this project are the extension of this symmetry-adapted approach to calculations of other properties and phenomena in nanotubes, which have not been addressed in detail so far. The major topics to be encompassed by the project are: 1) exciton effects, which are of major importance for the optical processes in nanotubes as evidenced by experiments and supported by theoretical arguments, 2) second-order Raman scattering, which can be a source of information for the electronic structure and phonon dispersion of nanotubes but has been described qualitatively only in several limited cases, 3) the phenomenon of photoluminescence, which provides direct information for the structural properties of carbon nanotubes and for the electron (or exciton) – phonon scattering processes, but has not received much attention by theorists, and finally, 4) thermal and electronic transport in nanotubes, which are basic phenomena with importance for building up nano-electronic devices.

Keywords: electrons,phonons,nanotubes,electron-phonon interactions,tight-binding method,ab-initio method
A European Platform of Integrated Information Services for Researchers in the Field of Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs Supporting Team and Project Building. (RAREDISEASEPLATFORM)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: France,Belgium,Italy,Spain,United Kingdom,Germany,Austria,Estonia,Czechia,Finland,Poland,Netherlands,Sweden
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-05-01
End date: 2011-04-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1070281.0
EU funding (EUR): 957206.0
Participants: 13
Project status: CLOSED

This project aims at creating a set of tools intended to facilitate collaborations between academic teams, SMEs and even major companies, in the field of rare diseases (RD). These tools will contribute to building up a community of stakeholders with the ultimate goal of speeding up RD research and development, providing diagnostic tools and therapies as quickly as possible. The specific objectives are to: - identify expert groups in Europe, on-going funded research projects, technological platforms, databases and biobanks relevant to RD research and to release the information in a user-friendly manner on the existing Orphanet website. - identify, among research projects funded at the MS level and at the EU level, those which are in need of partnership with other academic teams and/or which have a potential for market development and may benefit from a partnership with Industry. - release the information on partnership opportunities on the existing OrphanXchange website and adapt the website to meet the needs of all the types of partnerships identified so far. - develop partner search facilities based on the above mentioned databases and on an ad-hoc basis. - develop an electronic newsletter informing the community about newly posted partnership requests and business opportunities. - organise two workshops with top experts to analyse areas in need of collaborative research projects. The new facilities will be developed from three existing RD websites previously funded through EC grants: - www.orphanplatform.org serving as a management tool and a follow-up tool between partners. - www.orphanXchange.org serving as a tool to facilitate partnership between academic researchers, Industry, and private companies - www.orpha.net providing information on on-going research activities in Europe. This project is based on input from four EU projects: Orphanet, OrphanPlatform, E-Rare (www.erare.eu) and the RD Task Force (www.rdtf.org).

Keywords: rare diseases - genetic diseases - translational research - knowledge database - platform - orphan drugs - networking
Understanding and fighting metastasis by modulating the tumour microenvironment through interference with the protease network. (MICROENVIMET)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Belgium,Finland,Italy,Germany,Spain,France,Germany,Slovenia,Denmark
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-03-01
End date: 2012-02-29
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4270856.73
EU funding (EUR): 2999689.0
Participants: 9
Project status: CLOSED

The MICROENVIMET project proposes innovative approaches for building a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between cancer cells and their microenvironment both at primary and secondary sites. The objectives are to identify molecular pathways involved in the regulation of metastatic dissemination to lung, liver, lymph node and bone. To achieve these objectives, the original experimental approach proposed is to modulate the production/activity of proteases or their inhibitors. Proteases are now recognized as key regulators of a complex network of interacting molecules that modulate the properties of cancer cells and their microenvironment. The project is intended to identify key molecular pathways underlying early steps of metastatic dissemination by interfering with the protease network and studying the impact of such experimentally manipulated microenvironment on metastasis formation. In addition to identifying key regulators of metastasis, we aim at developing blocking antibodies towards these new candidates, with efficacy for therapeutic intervention, by using the most advanced state-of-the-art technologies. The study of cancer stem cells will be integrated into current concepts that consider and attempt to explain the importance of the microenvironment during cancer progression. The 9 academic and 1 SME Participants will combine expertise in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, in vivo imaging, transgenic mice, mouse models of metastasis, genetic manipulation of transplantable tumour cells, computerized image analysis, virus-mediated gene transfer, phage display and production of neutralizing antibodies. This consortium will facilitate shared access to a new microRNA platform, innovative technologies, human tumour tissue banks, in vivo and in vitro models mimicking different steps of metastatic dissemination, as well as know how in tumour-host cell interplay, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, cancer stem cell biology and generation of database.

Keywords: tumour metastasis,tumour microenvironment,degradome,pre-metastatic niche
The contribution of the exosporium of Bacillus anthracis to survival (ROLEEXOSPORIUM)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2007-11-01
End date: 2010-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The exosporium is not unique to Bacillus anthracis and is present in all members of the B.cereus group and some clostridia. The function this complex structure plays in the survival of these spores is as yet unknown. One possibility is that it acts as a physical barrier passively reacting with biocides before they have the chance to reach essential molecules located within the spore core. We propose to determine the contribution the exosporium makes to environmental survival and biocide resistance. In addition the exosporium contributes to intracellular survival by masking inflammatory signals located in the spore coat thus preventing the infected macrophage from mounting a pro-inflammatory immune response. In addition to playing a passive role in survival we recently reported the presence of biologically active enzymes such as alanine racemase within the exosporium which prevent germination under sub-optimal conditions encountered in soil and infection. This is an extremely novel concept as the spore has long been thought of as an inert particle who’s intrinsic resistance to environmental insult enables it to lie dormant until conditions are conducive to growth. In addition to regulating germination the exosporium contains enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and an arginase which contribute to the intracellular survival of the organism by inhibiting the activity of antibacterial radicals. By understanding the contribution the exosporium makes to intracellular survival we will be able to design therapeutics which enhance the ability of the macrophage to kill the organism. This proposal represents the continuation of a program of research initiated by the applicant while working in the U.S. Its funding will enable the researcher to establish his own research effort in the UK by building on the earlier data and will continue the links forged with US colleagues which to date has yielded five publications.

Keywords: exosporium spores biology environment infection virulence biocide bacillus macrophages antibacterial radicals immune evasion
Development of methodology for alternative testing strategies for the assessment of the toxicological profile of nanoparticles used in medical diagnostics (NANOTEST)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Biotechnology, generic tools and medical technologies for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Norway,United Kingdom,Switzerland,France,United Kingdom,European organisations area,Greece,Slovakia,Denmark,Italy,Spain
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-04-01
End date: 2012-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3933271.01
EU funding (EUR): 2994383.0
Participants: 12
Project status: CLOSED

Nanoparticles (NP) have unique, potentially beneficial properties, but their possible impact on human health has not been adequately assessed. The main goal of this proposal is to develop alternative high-throughput testing strategies using in vitro and in silico methods to assess the toxicological profile of NP used in medical diagnostics. Our specific aims are to: 1. Define NP properties and fully characterize NP to be used 2. Study NP interactions with molecules, cells and organs and develop in vitro methods to study the toxicological potential of NP 3. Validate in vitro findings in short-term in vivo models and study particle effects in animals and (ex vivo) in humans to assess individual susceptibility to NP 4. Develop in silico models of NP interactions Experimental work is structured in 4 WPs to address NP characterisation and key elements in evaluation of NP uptake, exposure and toxicology. NANOTEST integrates the investigation of toxicological properties and effects of NP in several target systems by developing a battery of in vitro assays using cell cultures, organotypic cell culture and small organ fragments (ex vivo) derived from different biological systems; blood, vascular system, liver, lung, placenta, digestive and central nervous systems. As NP action is likely to involve oxidative stress we will focus on the cross-cutting areas of inflammation, cellular toxicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity and related endpoints. Following development of SOP and generation of a common database and in parallel with in silico assays (QSAR, PBPK modelling), NanoTest will evaluate toxic effects and interactions of NP used in nanomedicine. Results will be validated in an experimental ethically approved in vivo model. The most advanced and standardised techniques will be adapted for automation and prepared for validation by ECVAM. Separate WPs will be dedicated to dissemination and to effective administrative and scientific management.

Keywords: nanoparticles. alterntaive tests. (q)sar. medical devices. in vitro toxicity.
COPD Pathology: Addressing Critical gaps, Early Treatment and Innovative Concepts (COPACETIC)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Netherlands,Netherlands,Denmark,Sweden,Germany,Poland
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-01-01
End date: 2010-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4020859.2
EU funding (EUR): 2981143.0
Participants: 6
Project status: CLOSED

COPD is the only chronic disease with an increasing mortality and it will constitute the 4th leading cause of death by 2035 world wide. To alleviate the burden of COPD an accurate and easy diagnosis in the early stages of COPD needs to be developed. Many studies strongly suggest that there is an individual genetic susceptibility to COPD: only 10-15% of all smokers develop COPD. In another study, 53% of subjects had mild and 13.3% severe emphysema. When that genetic susceptibility becomes known, new diagnostics and a better insight into the pathogenesis of COPD will become available. Treatment or prevention come into reach. Several studies have elucidated a low number of significant genetic differences obtained via the candidate gene approach: a better approach is a genome wide scan. The results of such a genome wide scan will be compared between smokers with and without COPD. This approach has proven itself in e.g. diabetes mellitus. Data show that diagnosing COPD by only using pulmonary function tests, will only pick up a minority of the patients with emphysema. So, a diagnostic bias is often present, but avoided in the current study: it is the first time that data on CT scans and pulmonary function are combined for an accurate diagnosis. We will carry out a 300.000 SNP genome wide scan in a 4000 male heavy smokers with and without COPD. The diagnosis of COPD is based on using pulmonary function tests and CT-scanning. A replication study with the ~3,000 most significant SNPs will be performed in 5 European replication cohorts to remove false positives findings, study sex influences, population stratification and disease severity. We will also investigate gene expression in peripheral blood of smokers with and without COPD. The gene expression data will assist in SNP selection. We will build COPD prediction models based on the significant SNPs from the replication studies and validate the rule in all avalable cohorts

Keywords: copd,genetic markers,biomarkers,nelson,ct scan,pulmonary function tests
Next Generation HIV-1 Immunogens inducing broadly reactive Neutralising antibodies (NGIN)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Italy,Netherlands,United Kingdom,Italy,Denmark,France,Sweden,Belgium,Sweden,United Kingdom,Switzerland,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-02-01
End date: 2012-07-31
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 10148011.56
EU funding (EUR): 7534742.0
Participants: 18
Project status: CLOSED

The elicitation of broadly neutralising antibodies (Nab) remains the primary and most challenging goal in HIV-1 vaccine development. Although a few anti-HIV-1 monoclonal antibodies with broadly neutralising capability have been isolated from infected individuals, none of the immunization strategies thus far explored has proven effective in inducing similar antibodies. Objective of this application is the development of a variety of ‘next-generation’ HIV-1 envelope-based immunogens that in combination with new adjuvant formulations are capable of eliciting high-titer broadly Nab responses. Our strategy will be based on one side on the identification and cloning of envelopes that have successfully elicited broad Nabs in their natural hosts, focusing on HIV-1 strains derived from patients with high-titered broad Nabs in their sera; on the other side, we will introduce rational modifications into these and promising HIV-env based immunogens that are already under development by NGIN’s partners, with the aim of exposing cryptic conserved neutralization epitopes and permitting their efficient presentation to the immune system. HIV-1 envelopes will be expressed in viral vectors or as trimeric (gp150) soluble proteins and screened for their immunogenicity and antigenicity in rabbits. A selection of envelopes with highest antigenicity will be expressed as trimeric envelope-complexes on the surface of virosomes or virus-like particles (VLP), to further improve immunogenicity. New immunogens will be evaluated in prime-boost regimens in rabbits using novel effective adjuvant formulations. Immunogen/adjuvant combinations that prove most effective in eliciting broadly Nabs both systemically and at the mucosal level will be evaluated in non-human primates for their immunogenicity and efficacy upon challenge with live heterologous virus. Finally, formulations that will elicit protective immunity in non-human primates will be forwarded for proof-of-principle testing in humans.

Keywords: envelope,immunogen,adjuvant,delivery,neutralisation
Automatic Cancer Screening Based on Real-time PCR (AUTOCAST)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Germany,Austria,Germany,Ireland,Hungary,Germany
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-A, 2007)
Start date: 2008-08-01
End date: 2012-01-31
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4146008.0
EU funding (EUR): 2999769.0
Participants: 7
Project status: CLOSED

Cancer accounts for nearly one-quarter of deaths in the developed world, exceeded only by heart diseases. One of the key strategies in cancer prevention is early diagnosis through cancer screening programs. Estimates of the premature deaths that could have been avoided through cancer screening vary from 3% to 35%, depending on a variety of assumptions. Beyond the potential to reduce mortality, screening may reduce cancer morbidity since treatment for earlier-stage cancers is often less aggressive than that for more advanced-stage cancers. Currently many of these screening programs, have issues with false negative results, long time delays to obtaining the results, which increase patient anxiety and delays in starting treatments. In this project we will develop a novel rapid real time PCR/probe technology, in a microarray biochip format with the corresponding automated instrumentation for use as a rapid “point of care” diagnostic device. Cervical cancer and its associated virus, human papilloma virus is the model system which will be used to develop this novel automated cancer screening technology. The novel real time PCR technology will permit detection of panels of multiple biomarkers in a single PCR reaction. The partners have already developed prototype technology which partly demonstrates a microarray approach to real time PCR. The project will build on this, providing the innovation needed to transform a promising technology to an integrated system suitable for practical use at point-of-care setting. The consortium includes four research institutes and two SMEs, who have extensive experience with real time PCR and microarray technologies, and are motivated to commercialise results. In addition partners 7 will act as end user, validating the system in a clinical setting.

Keywords: cervical cancer,point-of-care,real-time pcr. array