Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Addressing the Roles of Tachykinins in the Control of Ovulation: Focus on the Substance-P/Tachykinin Receptor Type 1 (Tac1/Tacr1) System (Tac1-Ovulation)

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: Spain
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2020-05-01
End date: 2022-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172932.48
EU funding (EUR): 172932.48
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Reproductive health is deteriorating worldwide, via as yet unknown mechanisms. The most common cause of in/subfertility in women is ovulatory dysfunction; anovulation being associated to conditions as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothalamic amenorrhea and premature ovarian insufficiency. Hence, better understanding of the mechanisms controlling ovulation is mandatory for improved management of reproductive disorders. While hypothalamic GnRH neurons are the major output pathway for the brain control of ovulation, upstream Kiss1 neurons, particularly in the rostral hypothalamic area in rodents, have been suggested to be crucial for the timed activation of GnRH neurons and generation of the preovulatory surge of gonadotropins that drives ovulation. However, the major regulators of this Kiss1/GnRH pathway remains ill defined. Substance P (SP, encoded by Tac1), a member of the tachykinin (TAC) family that acts via the receptor, NK1R (encoded by Tacr1), has been shown to centrally regulate gonadotropin release, and, according to our preliminary data, might modulate the pre-ovulatory surge in mice. Yet, the patho-physiological relevance of SP/NK1R signaling in ovulatory control needs to be defined. Here, we will apply functional genomics and virogenetic approaches to assess the roles and mechanisms of action of SP/NK1R signaling in the control of ovulation, with special attention to its actions in Kiss1 and GnRH neurons. To this end, we will apply (i) virogenetic-driven Tacr1 silencing in Kiss1 and GnRH neurons; (ii) tracing techniques to map Tac1 neuronal projections to Kiss1 and GnRH neurons; and (ii) chemo-genetic manipulation of Tac1 neurons, via excitatory and inhibitory DREADDs, coupled to monitoring of gonadotropin secretion and ovulation. Our project, which is based on our solid preliminary data, will expand our understanding of the mechanisms controlling ovulation and female fertility, helping to define novel strategies for reproductive control in the future.

Keywords: health sciences,ovulation,neuroendocrinology,reproduction,kiss1,hypothalamus
PHYtoplankton responses to organic COntaminants: the role of CYtochrome P450 (PHYCOCYP)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Career Restart panel
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Environment and Geosciences
Countries involved: France
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2020, 2020)
Start date: 2021-09-01
End date: 2024-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 295061.76
EU funding (EUR): 295061.76
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Anthropic activities result in a continuous release of Organic Contaminants (OCs) in the aquatic environment and chemical pollution may considerably affect phytoplankton that are photosynthetic microorganisms playing a major role in aquatic ecosystems. Adverse outcomes of OCs on phytoplankton are directly linked to the ability of the organism to face the toxic insult. OCs may be metabolized to less toxic compounds activating poorly understood biotransformation processes. The main objective of the PHYCOCYP project is to improve the mechanistic understanding of biotransformation processes and their role in phytoplankton tolerance to OCs. Among the numerous enzymes involved in xenobiotic biotransformation, a key role is played by Cytochrome P450 (CYPs). CYPs are found in all domains of life and were extensively studied in higher organisms. However, little information is available on the role of CYPs in OC biotransformation and tolerance in phytoplankton. The PHYCOCYP project will address this knowledge gap. Recent genomic studies highlighted the presence of multiple CYP genes in phytoplankton species and toxicological studies indicated their involvement in phytoplankton responses to OC exposure. In the proposed research, an initial screening will investigate whether CYP genes expression is conserved in different phytoplankton classes exposed to OCs with different modes of action. The involvement of CYPs in OC biotransformation and tolerance will be then assessed in a model phytoplankton specie integrating a genetic approach to physiological investigations and metabolic profiling of OC transformation products. Aquatic environment preservation and restoration is one of the main contemporary environmental challenges. Knowledge generated with PHYCOCYP project will help evaluate the potential impact of OC on key organisms of aquatic ecosystems and may serve for the implementation of biotransformation processes for OC removal and pollution remediation.

Keywords: aquatic environement,pollution,phytoplankton,organic contaminant,stress responses,biotransformation,cytochrome p450,pharmaceuticals,herbicides,emerging contaminants,microalgae,diatom
Development of human primordial germ cells towards the onset of sperm and egg differentiation in a novel model culture system (GERMINOID)

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: 2019-06-01
End date: 2022-01-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 212933.76
EU funding (EUR): 212933.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Human primordial germ cells (hPGCs), the precursors of sperm and eggs, originate in early pre-gastrulation post-implantation embryos (~wk2). Thereafter, hPGCs undergo wide epigenetic reprogramming during their migration to the primitive gonads (~wk3–7). While technical and ethical constraints preclude direct studies on early human embryos, recent development of 2D models using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC), which simulate early post-implantation development, have been used to investigate the specification of hPGC-like cells (PGCLCs) equivalent to wk2 hPGCs. These models however cannot support extended maturation of hPGCLCs beyond this early stage. Here, we propose a novel 3D in vitro system to advance development of hPGCLCs up to the onset of gametogenesis, extending our knowledge of the key events of early human germline development. This project will benefit from the cell culture capabilities of the three-layer gradient system (3-LGS), a 3D cell culture method that I invented during my PhD, combined with the expertise of Prof. Surani’s lab in generating hPGCLCs from hPSCs. The 3-LGS will be used to create gonadal organoids from human fetal primary cells, which we call “germinoids”, in order to support further development of hPGCLCs beyond the in vivo equivalent 2-wk stage. During this innovative project, we intend to achieve our objectives to create firstly, the novel co-culture germinoid conditions, and secondly to use the model to advance hPGCLCs differentiation. The generation and characterization of germinoids will be conducted in a collaborative team of experienced scientists and students, under renowned supervision and within a supportive and available work environment and infrastructure. This project will extend my expertise and contribute to the host’s work on early human germ cell development. The outcome will be a breakthrough in the field of human germ cell biology, which will contribute to my ambition to progress my independent research career.

Keywords: primordial germ cells,germ line,organoids
ISOtope TOols for assessing PESticide faTe in the environment (ISOTOPEST)

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: Spain
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2019-11-01
End date: 2021-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 160932.48
EU funding (EUR): 160932.48
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Assessing the source and fate of pesticides in the environment is vital for improving European water management policies and remediation actions. Although compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) has proved to be a valuable tool to identify sources and track and quantify pollutant degradation in environmental systems, its application to pesticides is still emerging. There are currently some analytical challenges that restrict the possibilities to exploit the full potential of CSIA in pesticides for environmental applications, mainly related with low pesticide concentrations in environmental matrices. The first task of this project aims to overcome these barriers by optimizing extraction and analytical methods for measuring isotope ratios in an unexplored pesticide of high environmental concern: the organochlorine insecticide methoxychlor. Understanding the processes of transformation of pesticides and their associate isotope fractionations is crucial to give a sound base on CSIA application in real case studies. Nevertheless, the database of isotope fractionations associated to different transformation reactions for each pesticide is extremely incomplete. The second task of this project aims to increase this database by performing laboratory experiments for assessing biodegradation of methoxychlor and the herbicide atrazine. Finally, to take the next step and bring CSIA of pesticides to the field, the third task of this project is focused on application of CSIA in two contaminated sites for assessing the fate of the target pesticides (atrazine and methoxychlor) and their metabolites. This will provide a further demonstration of the options of CSIA in the evaluation of strategies for natural or induced attenuation, and to trace the sources, sinks and fate of pesticides in the environment. This project will thus contribute to the competitiveness of Europe in environmental monitoring, risk assessment and contamination mitigating concepts of pesticides.

Keywords: pesticide monitoring,compound specific isotope analysis,pesticide transformation processes
COGNITIVE PLANTS THROUGH PROACTIVE SELF-LEARNING HYBRID DIGITAL TWINS (COGNITWIN)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, and Biotechnology
Theme: Sustainable, resource-efficient and low-carbon technologies in energy-intensive process industries
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Germany,Germany,Germany,Spain,Germany,Germany,Finland,Norway,Türkiye,Finland,Norway,Serbia,France
Call: Digital technologies for improved performance in cognitive production plants (IA) (H2020-NMBP-SPIRE-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2019-09-01
End date: 2023-02-28
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 8614343.21
EU funding (EUR): 6982431.38
Participants: 16
Project status: SIGNED

While the concept of digitalisation and Industry 4.0 is making rapid inroads into the European manufacturing sector, there are several aspects that can be still incorporated into the system which can strengthen the goal of optimal process operations. One such aspect to the digitalisation vision is the "cognitive element", where the process plants can learn from historical data and adapt to changes in the process while also being able to predict unwanted events in the operation before they happen. Through this project, COGNITWIN (Cognitive digital Twin), we aim to add the cognitive element to the existing process control systems and thus enabling their capability to self-organise and offer solutions to unpredicted behaviours. To achieve the objectives of the project, we have partnered with six industries and seven research groups from seven European nations, each of whom will bring their expertise in data analytics and pattern recognition which are going to be at the heart of the COGNITWIN solution platform. The set-up of the platform includes a sensor network that will continuously monitor and collect data from various plant processes and assets which will be stored at a database. This data will be used to develop a digital twin of the process and will also be used to develop models with cognitive capability for self-learning and predictive maintenance which will lead towards optimal plant operations. The project builds on ideas and technologies that have been validated in controlled environments (TRL 5) to arrive at prototype demonstrations in operational environments (TRL 7). The COGNITWIN project results will be implemented to our industrial partner's processes to demonstrate the transition from TRL 5 to TRL 7. TRL – Technology Readiness Level

Keywords: cognitive plants,digital hybrid twins,self adaptive models,artificial intelligence,big data,iiot,sensors
Complex parasite communities as drivers of bacterial immunity (PHAGECOM)

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: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2016-01-01
End date: 2017-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 183454.8
EU funding (EUR): 183454.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

CRISPR-Cas is one of several distinct bacterial defence mechanisms that provide immunity against viruses (phages) and other mobile genetic elements (MGEs; e.g. plasmids). My research aims at understanding how CRISPR-Cas-mediated immunity is affected by the complexity of MGE communities. Using evolution assays and deep sequencing techniques I aim to study (i) the evolution of CRISPR-Cas-mediated immunity in a complex MGE community (i.e. multiple phages and plasmids), and (ii) determine the associated co-evolutionary dynamics. The proposed research is highly multidisciplinary and will perfectly complement my background in biochemistry and molecular biology. It also allows me to establish collaborations with academic and industrial partners to realize applications in dairy industry and phage therapy. The project will be pivotal for my personal development to become an independent researcher and offers me the unique opportunity to work in one of the most prominent microbial ecology and evolution laboratories worldwide, based at the Biosciences Department at the University of Exeter. Biosciences is a leading institute in evolutionary biology, microbiology and ecology that provides excellent opportunities for academic training and personal career development. I will be exposed to novel ideas and input from renowned researchers belonging to scientific disciplines unrelated to my own background, offering exciting opportunities for knowledge exchange and will have a strong impact on my personal and scientific development. Furthermore, I aim to establish a series of lectures for the general public throughout 2015 (the Year of the Phage) to emphasize the importance of phage research for many aspects of our society, including industry and medicine.

Keywords: phage,mobile genetic elements,pseudomonas,crispr cas,resistance,parasite community,choosiness,bacteria,plasmids
SMART TRACKING OF AIR POLLUTION BY A BIKE LIGHT (TRACKER)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Smart, green and integrated transport
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Small business innovation research for Transport and Smart Cities Mobility (H2020-SMEINST-1-2016-2017, 2017)
Start date: 2017-08-01
End date: 2017-11-30
Duration (months): 4.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Currently, cities perform air quality monitoring by static and sparse stations that to large cities cost about € 4 Mill. These systems do not offer robust, tempo-spatial heterogeneous measures to take efficient decisions. In order to overcome these drawbacks, we have developed TRACKER, a sensor device adapted for bikes that provides a cost effective way for cities to deploy mobile sensor networks. TRACKER combines sensor technology with Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) communications technology, providing an autonomous sensor platform which can be integrated into Bike Sharing Schemes. Also, it has movement sensor and theft alert. See.Sense is a successful company founded in 2013 to develop bike devices that collect data to improve resource usage and infrastructure for citizens. We have commercialised 2 cycling products which has allowed us to double our revenue each year and received multitude of awards. Cities as Dublin, Belfast, Milton Keynes (leader in smart cities) have trusted in us. We aim at disrupting into the Smart Cities Market-estimated to grow from € 281 Bill (2015) to € 683 Bill (2020). Our target market, Bike sharing systems, is settled in more than 1,000 cities in 50 countries. TRACKER is a patent pending technology for what we have invested € 0.5 Mill to take to TRL 6. We plan to start our sales in Dublin and Boston where we are performing tests. Yet, we still need to test network coverage, and get our technology validated by the end-users as well as develop a plan dissemination and exploitation activities. Thus, we have decided to continue with TRACKER for what we need an additional investment of € 3 Mill, that will give us a ROI of 7.0 by 2024. Thus, we consider essential to perform a detailed feasibility study to continue with our project and decided to ask for funding through this SME instrument.

Keywords: smart cities,air monitoring,lpwa,bikes,pollution
HEAT PIPE TECHNOLOGY FOR THERMAL ENERGY RECOVERY IN INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS (ETEKINA)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Secure, clean and efficient energy
Theme: Reducing energy consumption and carbon foorpint by smart and sustainable use
Action type: Innovation actions
Partnership:  (cPPP)
Countries involved: Germany,Italy,Spain,Spain,Slovenia,Slovenia,United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call: Valorisation of waste heat in industrial systems (SPIRE PPP) (H2020-EE-2017-PPP, 2017)
Start date: 2017-10-01
End date: 2022-03-31
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 5539612.25
EU funding (EUR): 4617677.13
Participants: 12
Project status: CLOSED

Energy-Intensive Industries (EII) in Europe are characterized by very high energy production costs as well as by an important level of CO2 emissions. Energy production costs account for up to 40% of total production costs in some EII, while EII emissions represent a quarter of total EU CO2 emissions. EII are therefore directly concerned by the EU 2014 Energy/Climate Package, which sets a global objective of 40% reduction of GHG emissions and 27% increase of energy efficiency by 2030. The report on energy prices and costs for some energy-intensive sectors published by the European Commission showed for example that natural gas prices for European ceramic companies increased by around 30% between 2010 and 2012 and they were four times higher than in Russia and more than three times higher than in the USA. Similarly, electricity costs were two times higher in the EU than in the USA and Russia. Such figures clearly confirm that energy is a crucial element for the competitiveness of our industry. Therefore, an integrated approach to process innovation is proposed within ETEKINA project covering design, simulation, operating conditions and process management together with breakthrough technology for waste heat recovery. The overall objective of ETEKINA project is to improve the energy performance of industrial processes. For this to be possible, the valorisation of waste heat by a turnkey modular Heat Pipe Based Heat Exchanger (HPHE) technology adaptable to different industry sectors will be addressed within the project and demonstrated in three industrial processes from the non-ferrous, steel and ceramic sectors in order to demonstrate: (i) the economic feasibility of the solution, and therefore (ii) its market potential.
Nanobody-targeted photodynamic therapy to kill cancer (KILLCANCER)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases
Panel description: Medical technologies and tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, therapeutic approaches and interventions, pharmacology, preventative medicine, epidemiology and public health, digital medicine
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2015-STG, 2015)
Start date: 2016-07-01
End date: 2021-12-31
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Current cancer therapies often fail to cure patients. Ideally, therapy should locally eradicate cancer and should be capable of inducing long term protection, through activation of the immune system. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment approach in which cancer cells are killed with compounds, named photosensitizers that are activated locally through light exposure. Importantly, PDT eradication of cancers commonly involves the immune system. However, current photosensitizers lack cancer specificity, which limits therapeutic efficacy and prolongs photosensitivity in patients. Recently, I have developed an improved version of targeted PDT that uses very small antibodies i.e. nanobodies that distribute homogenously, bind rapidly and specifically to cancer cells, and a photosensitizer that can be traced by optical imaging to guide the application of PDT. The aims of this proposal are to better understand and to advance nanobody-targeted PDT to ensure complete cancer eradication, and to facilitate its clinical translation. This will be achieved by: 1) Exploring the increased accumulation of photosensitizer through development of novel nanobody-photosensitizer conjugates to bind to cancer cells, cancer stem cells, and endothelial cells. These combinations will be evaluated for their efficacy in mice bearing human carcinomas; 2) Investigating the immune system activation to determine if, as other PDT, nanobody-targeted PDT triggers a systemic immune response, or if additional triggers are needed; 3) Studying the effect of nanobody-targeted PDT in dogs entering the veterinary clinic with oral or colorectal cancers. Treatment efficacy will be evaluated by monitoring cancer regression or disappearance. The outcome of this research will scientifically advance the new field of nanobody-targeted PDT, by providing essential information on its mechanism of action and the feasibility of this approach in human cancer patients, to ultimately improve current cancer treatment.

Keywords: photodynamic therapy,cancer targeting,nanobodies or vhhs,optical molecular imaging,comparative oncology