Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Towards a Unified Spatial Theory of Biodiversity (SPATIODIVERSITY)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Evolutionary, population and environmental biology
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-07-01
End date: 2015-06-30
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2177664.0
EU funding (EUR): 2177664.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

One of the biggest and most persistent challenges in contemporary ecology is to explain the high diversity in ecological communities such as tropical forests, grasslands, coral reefs, or plankton ecosystems. The broad objective of our project is to understand the relative importance of processes and factors that govern the composition and dynamics of species-rich communities. Advances in this issue have important implications for efforts to protect terrestrial biodiversity from climate and land use change. Surprisingly, although most processes which are thought to contribute to species coexistence have a strong spatial component, the rich source of information on spatial patterns has not been used. To accomplish our goal, we take a radically different approach than previous attempts and adopt a spatially explicit perspective that will allow us to take significant steps towards a Unified Spatial Theory of Biodiversity. We use the best data sets available, i.e., 25-50 ha mega-plots of tropical forests each comprising several hundred of species and >100000 trees that are monitored and censuses every 5 years. We proceed in three steps. (1) We quantify the highly complex spatial structures found in these forests using state-of-the-art techniques in spatial pattern analysis. (2) We build a range of individual-based spatially-explicit simulation models ranging from pure neutral models to detailed process-based models of tropical forest, such as FORMIND. (3) We use pattern-oriented modelling to confront these simulation models with the set of patterns identified in (1) to identify the most parsimonious models that account simultaneously for all (spatial) patterns. We anticipate that the new spatial perspective and innovative computer modelling techniques will allow for a major break through in this important challenge at the frontier of ecological research, and open up new horizons for understanding and conservation of biodiversity.

Keywords: computer simulation,forest dynamic model,neutral theory,spatial pattern analysis,tropical forest
Genetically defined and selectively mast cell-deficient mouse model to unravel the immunological roles of mast cells (MAST-CELL-FUNCTIONS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Immunity and infection
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-12-01
End date: 2015-11-30
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1880000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1880000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Mast cells (MC) are best known for their central role in allergic disease but, more recently, MC have also been considered as important elements of the immune system in general. Since the original recognition, more than 10 years ago, that MC may have immunological functions beyond allergic disease, a very long list of physiological and pathological conditions has been accumulated in which MC have been suggested to play important roles. However, definitive evidence for MC functions in areas as important as innate and adaptive immunity, autoimmunity, transplant rejection, vascular diseases, tumour growth, and wound healing are currently mostly lacking. A major hurdle in this field is the lack of a genetically-defined mouse mutant selectively deficient in all MC. The available MC-deficiency models are based on mutations in the pleiotropic growth factor receptor Kit. Kit mutations cause many defects in multiple lineages inside and outside of the immune system, are mostly unavailable on pure genetic backgrounds, and are difficult to combine with other gain or loss of function mutations. We have now generated a new mouse strain that is selective MC-deficient. Cre recombinase (Cre)-mediated MC eradication takes advantage of the genotoxic property of Cre, and does not require Cre-mediated deletion of loxP-flanked genes in MC. These MC-deficient mice are now available for the proposed project on pure C57BL/6 and BALB/c mouse backgrounds. For proof of principle, we are not only demonstrating that MC are absent from these mutants but also provide evidence that these MC-deficient inbred mice behave very differently compared to MC-deficient, Kit-deficient mice in classical assays previously used to suggest in vivo MC functions. Based on these findings, and given the need for conclusive in vivo studies to advance this area of immunology, I propose to develop and lead a research program addressing the in vivo functions of MC in key areas of immunology.

Keywords: mast cell-deficient mice,inflammation
Exploiting the saccharification potential of pathogenic microorganisms to improve biofuel production from plants. (FUEL-PATH)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Applied life sciences and biotechnology
Countries involved: Italy
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2014-06-30
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2099600.0
EU funding (EUR): 2099600.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

FUEL-PATH aims at providing new knowledge on plant cell wall and innovative biotechnological solutions for biomass utilization. A key process for biomass utilization is the initial degradation of cell walls into fermentable sugars (saccharification); this is hindered by the wall recalcitrance to hydrolysis. We propose to improve the plant saccharification characteristics by mimicking a strategy successfully used by phytopathogenic microorganisms. These produce pectic enzymes before other cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) to weaken the linkages between the wall components and favour the maceration of the plant tissue. Homogalacturonan (HGA), a major component of pectin, is synthesized in a methylated form and is de-esterified in the wall by methylesterases (PMEs). De-esterified HGA interacts with calcium to form "egg-box" structures, which are critical for maintaining the integrity of the entire wall. We propose to improve saccharification by expression in plants of microbial polygalacturonases (PGs) hydrolizing HGA. Plants expressing a fungal PG have reduced levels of HGA and enhanced saccharification (unpublished preliminary data). Since PG activity in pianta affects normal growth, a technology of enzyme control through the use of specific protein inhibitors will be developed. A second strategy to be adopted for weakening the "egg-box" is the overexpression of PME inhibitors. This may cause not only an increased degradability but also an enhanced biomass production. FUEL-PATH will provide detailed information on the structure, function and construction of tailor-made enzymes and inhibitors suitable for the saccharification process. FUEL-PATH will also address the relationship between pectin composition and developmental responses mediated by hormones in PG-expressing plants. A genetic screen will be performed to isolate genes involved growth defects and increased cell wall degradability and these will be characterized for a possible biotechnological use.

Keywords: biofuel,plant cell wall,pectin,phytopathogens,enzymes,saccharification
The PI3K-III complex: Function in cell regulation and tumour suppression (PI3K-III COMPLEX)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Cellular and Developmental Biology
Countries involved: Norway
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2010-01-01
End date: 2014-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2272000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2272000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Phosphoinositides (PIs), phosphorylated derivatives of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), control cellular functions through recruitment of cytosolic proteins to specific membranes. Among the kinases involved in PI generation, the PI3K-III complex, which catalyzes conversion of PtdIns into PtdIns 3-phosphate (PI3P), is of great interest for several reasons. Firstly, it is required for three topologically related membrane involution processes - the biogenesis of multivesicular endosomes, autophagy, and cytokinesis. Secondly, through its catalytic product this protein complex mediates anti-apoptotic and antiproliferative signalling. Thirdly, several subunits of the PI3K-III complex are known tumour suppressors, making the PI3K-III complex a possible target for cancer therapy and diagnostics. This proposal aims to undertake a systematic analysis of the PI3K-III complex and its functions, and the following key questions will be addressed: How is the PI3K-III complex recruited to specific membranes? How does it control membrane involution and signal transduction? By which mechanisms do subunits of this protein complex serve as tumour suppressors? The project will be divided into seven subprojects, which include (1) characterization of the PI3K-III complex, (2) detection of the PI3K-III product PI3P in cells and tissues, (3) the function of the PI3K-III complex in downregulation of growth factor receptors, (4) the function of the PI3K-III complex in autophagy, (5) the function of the PI3K-III complex in cytokinesis, (6) the function of the PI3K-III complex in cell signalling, and (7) dissecting the tumour suppressor activities of the PI3K-III complex. The analyses will range from protein biochemistry to development of novel imaging probes, siRNA screens for novel PI3P effectors, functional characterization of PI3K-III subunits and PI3P effectors in cell culture models, and tumour suppressor analyses in novel Drosophila models.

Keywords: lipid kinase,autophagy,endocytosis,phosphoinositide,cytokinesis,tumour suppressor,microscopy
NMR detected nanosecond to microsecond dynamics for biomolecular recognition dynamics (HIDDENTIMENMR)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Molecular and Structural Biology and Biochemistry
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-07-01
End date: 2014-06-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2212000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2212000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

NMR spectroscopy detects in a unique way with atomic resolution biomolecular dynamics in the previously hidden time range between approximately 5 nano- to 50 microseconds (ns-ms time range). The detection of this motion happens in equilibrium under physiological conditions without the need for a triggering reaction. On the example of ubiquitin, this dynamics was found by us to be important for molecular recognition between proteins implying conformational selection rather than induced fit. Only free solution ensembles including this dynamics accessed the full conformational heterogeneity of structures in recognition complexes. Molecular dynamics analysis suggests high correlation of these ns-ms dynamical modes. Here, we propose to establish with NMR experimentally the correlated nature of the ns-ms dynamics, to describe ensembles reflecting ns-ms and sub-ns dynamics by separating the time scales. In this context, using temperature jump-infra-red spectroscopy and solid state NMR we want to determine the time scale of the ns to ms motion more precisely. Since the ns-ms time scale is slower than diffusion, dynamics on this time scale could be a mechanism of regulating or limiting the kinetics of molecular association and recognition. Therefore, we want to determine on-rates by NMR spectroscopy and want to explore whether mutants that do not affect the binding interface but will affect the dynamics modulate the on-rates. This would allow the control of binding kinetics and explore the influence of ns-¼s dynamics on protein-protein recognition on the long run also for membrane proteins. In addition specificity for drug interactions could be increased addressing extremal conformations present in the ns-¼s ensembles for homologous proteins with otherwise very similar average structures at interaction interfaces. If the proposal is successful this would open up new opportunities for drug design and design of protein-protein interactions.
Surviving the dry state: engineering a desiccation-tolerant mammalian cell (DRYLIFE)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Applied life sciences and biotechnology
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 69.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2494963.0
EU funding (EUR): 2494963.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Certain plants, animals and micro-organisms are able to dry out completely and yet remain viable, a phenomenon known as anhydrobiosis ( life without water ), or desiccation tolerance. This proposal addresses the molecular mechanisms responsible for desiccation tolerance and aims to confer these mechanisms on desiccation-sensitive mammalian cells, establishing a new field in biotechnology: a form of synthetic biology we have called anhydrobiotic engineering. One feature of anhydrobiotic organisms is the production of many examples of highly hydrophilic proteins (or hydrophilins ) in preparation for severe dehydration. Although data are limited, these hydrophilins are suggested to fulfil various roles in preserving homeostasis of the desiccating cell, including the maintenance of protein, nucleic acid and membrane structure. The proposed project will investigate the function of hydrophilins, engineer these and other elements as desiccation protection modules, and introduce modules into mammalian cell lines. By combining protection modules and using an iterative deployment strategy, we aim to achieve an engineered mammalian cell with high viability in the dried state. Anhydrobiotic engineering will find applications in cell banking, e.g. of hybridoma collections, and cell-based technologies including tissue engineering. Principles established should be applicable to agriculture, where drought-resistant crops, or desiccation-tolerant biopesticides are envisaged. The PI has a distinguished record of achievement in several disciplines in the life sciences and biotechnology, in both academia and industry. Publications in Nature, Science and other leading journals include contributions in human genomics, the molecular genetics of the immune system and inherited disease, the molecular cell biology and biochemistry of desiccation tolerance, and invertebrate genetics. The PI is also an inventor on licensed patents and patent applications in two different fields.

Keywords: cell engineering,protein homeostasis,stress tolerance
Bridge between environment and industry designed by membrane technology (MEMBRIDGE)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies - NMP
Destination: Materials
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Belgium,Russian Federation,Czechia,Netherlands,France,Germany,France,Poland,Kazakhstan
Call:  (FP7-NMP-2008-CSA-2, 2008)
Start date: 2009-05-01
End date: 2011-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 684054.0
EU funding (EUR): 268000.0
Participants: 16
Project status: CLOSED

Membranes are nano-/micro-porous multifunctional materials the main property of which is permselectivity regarding to different ionic and molecular species. This property results in a great number of applications in processes of aqueous and gaseous mixture separation. The small material and energy consumption and high eco-efficiency of separation by membranes determine strategic role of membrane processes as technologies making a bridge between industry and environment. The main objective of the proposal is to make a step towards reaching an effective integration of research activities, training, equipment sharing, and thus answer the needs for a coordinated membrane science and technology R&D in Europe and Russia oriented primarily at development of eco-efficient methods in industry. This objective replies to one of most important priorities of FP7: Elaboration of concepts aimed at sustainable development, and societal innovation. This objective will be attained by rapprochement of two membrane networks: Network of Excellence NanoMemPro in Europe and Russian Membrane Network being in the way of formation. The project foresees the organisation of two meetings of 25 representatives of European institutions belonging to NanoMemPro and of the equivalent number of Russian and NIS scientists. The basis for a European-Russian Membrane Science and Innovation Technology Platform will be founded as well. As a result of the project, a well structured programme/concept of scientific collaboration and diverse actions (in the field of researches, training, equipment sharing, person mobility, technological innovation) for the next several years will be elaborated. The proposed project should prepare grounds for further larger and amplified actions between European and Russian membrane networks following the axe of environmental protection, in the framework of FP7 and other international and regional programmes.

Keywords: membrane materials,membrane technology,separation processes,coordinated actions,strategic partnerships.
Discovery of Type 2 Diabetes Targets (ICEBERG)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Physiology, Pathophysiology and Endocrinology
Countries involved: Sweden
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2013-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal is focused on the identification and biological validation of the metabolic pathways and key regulatory genes that control insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We are focusing on skeletal muscle because it is quantitatively the most important tissue involved in maintaining glucose homeostasis under insulin-stimulated conditions and it is a major site of insulin resistance in T2DM. Our central hypothesis is that alterations in insulin signal transduction to glucose transport contribute to the profound impairment in whole body glucose homeostasis and T2DM pathogenesis. Identification of the defects in T2DM can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent and cure this disease. The proposal is divided into two main objectives: We will apply: 1) target identification platforms including microarray, proteomics and bioinformatics to identify dysregulated genes in normal glucose tolerant versus T2DM subjects or genetically modified model systems and 2) functional genomics to assign a physiological role of the identified targets in Aim 1 using cellular and whole-body approaches. We will focus on the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, the energy-sensing enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase, and the lipid intermediate metabolizing enzyme diacylglycerol kinase delta. Our previous work indicates that these candidates play a role in the regulation of glucose metabolism, triglyceride storage, and energy homeostasis.

Keywords: diabetes,metabolism,insulin resistance,skeletal muscle
Silks as Biomimetic Ideals for Polymers: SABIP (SABIP)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Applied life sciences and biotechnology
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2008-AdG, 2008)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 69.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2258272.0
EU funding (EUR): 2258272.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Silk offers an attractive combination of strength and toughness coupled with environmentally benign processing and degradation. However, we lack key insights into the interactions between a silk s mechanical behaviour, its chemical composition and its fabrication processes. Hence practically, this ignorance impedes the development of synthetic and recombinant silks. More fundamentally, silks can provide us with novel insights into other elastomeric natural protein polymers. Hence natural silk technology provides important insights both for the production of industrial bio-polymers and for understanding/copying other biological materials. I propose an extensive bio-mimetic programme to study silk diversity in order to gain new insights into the fundamentals of silk structure-property-functions relationships. WP Biomining will discover and screen silks with interesting material properties and gene-sequences with the proximate goal to discover novel silk types and the ultimate goal to identify silks suitable for commercial production. WP Material Analysis will focus on the acquisition of detailed data on silk material and chemical properties and will be using state-of-the-art measuring techniques. WP Multiscale Modeling is integral to the experimental programme in order to maximise all information obtained and optimise test conditions in order to fully derive and validate structure-property relations using our novel analysis techniques. Finally, WP Applications will disseminate our findings to colleagues in academia and companies throughout Europe. The proposed research will allow us to derive and validate a consistent set of quantitative structure-property relations for silk , which consider the evolutionary history of the different silks and their highly diverse genetic blueprints. This in turn will allow us to predict the mechanical properties of any silk at any stage during its natural and/or biomimetic production process.

Keywords: silk