Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Structural Studies on the Interaction of Fibronectin and Collagen (FN-COLLAGEN)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2010-03-01
End date: 2012-10-31
Duration (months): 32.0
Total project cost (EUR): 171300.62
EU funding (EUR): 171300.62
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Fibronectin (FN) and collagen are two members of the extracellular matrix that play important roles in embryogenesis, cell migration and adhesion, as well as in wound healing. They act together to control fibroblast migration, collagen crosslinking and the removal of damaged tissue. However, despite the apparent biological importance, details on the interaction of FN and collagen remain unclear. Substantial uncertainty exists regarding the number of FN binding sites on different collagen types, the molecular nature of the interaction and the roles of different collagen forms (denatured and native) and fibronectin domains. Importantly, past studies had been unable to reconstitute this interaction using synthetic collagen peptides, precluding possible high-resolution studies. Here, we propose to use biophysical techniques, such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, and fluorescence, to unravel this interaction. Recently, we identified a synthetic peptide derived from the type-I collagen a1 chain that binds the collagen binding domain of FN (GBD), as well as its sub-fragments, with high affinity in solution. Our studies show that this binding is highly specific to the identified sequence. We are currently solving the crystal structure of the 8Fn19Fn1 domain pair in complex with this peptide. Preliminary data suggest that extending this structural work to the remaining GBD subfragments is feasible. This information will allow us to search for further potential interaction sites and validate the hypothesis of multiple binding sites for FN on collagen. We are currently establishing collaborations to explore the implications of the molecular details in model triple-helical systems and in intact native collagen. Our results will provide the basis for further research on the biological function of the FN-collagen interaction, which has always been impaired due to the lack of structural information on the system.

Keywords: structural biology,extracellular matrix,collagen,fibronectin
Ultra-high resolution imaging of GluR1 trafficking in neuronal spines (GLUTRAF)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-05-01
End date: 2011-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173968.74
EU funding (EUR): 173968.74
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The spatial and temporal regulation in the composition of the postsynaptic membrane of synapses participates to the different forms of synaptic plasticity that trigger the cellular processes of memory formation, consolidation, and retrieval. Neurotransmitter receptors move rapidly in and out of synapses by lateral diffusion. This mobility is crucial to control the number of receptors present at a given synapse. AMPA subtype glutamate receptors mediate most excitatory transmission in the brain. Thus, the equilibrium between the synaptic and extrasynaptic AMPA receptor number is crucial in controlling basal transmission and synaptic plasticity. This balance is regulated by the subunit composition of these receptors and by interacting intracellular scaffold proteins. The GluR1 subunit of AMPA receptors plays a crucial role in activity dependent synaptic plasticity. However, how trafficking of GluR1 in and out synapse is controlled remains unknown. The major aim of this project will thus be to determine the relative distribution and trafficking properties of GluR1 at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution using a variety of ultra-high resolution fluorescence imaging approaches. Emphasis will be laid on the molecular basis for the activity dependant changes in GluR1 localization and mobility. We will study in particular the role of calcium induced phosphorylation events and GluR1-SAP97 interaction in controlling GluR1 fluxes in and out of synapses. This will provide a unique insight into the fundamental aspects of synaptic plasticity.

Keywords: ampa receptor,glur1 subunit,sap97,neuronal synapse,flourescence,single paticle tracking,photoactivation,uncaging,diffusion,nanomachinery,natural sciences,cell biology,molecular biophysics
High-Harmonic tomography and characterization of Nano-structures (HHG-NANOTOMOGRAPHY)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IOF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-05-01
End date: 2012-10-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 324540.48
EU funding (EUR): 324540.48
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology depends not only on examining the surfaces of nanostructures but on looking deep inside to identify what electronic, magnetic, optical, and chemical processes are of importance. For characterizing internal variations in shape, organization, or chemical composition over distances of hundred of nanometers, usage of XUV and soft X-ray electromagnetic radiation not only complements electron microscopy but also offers important advantages. Unfortunately the relevant sources in this spectral region (Synchrotrons and Free Electron Lasers) are extremely large, prohibitedly expensive, and not accessible to most of the scientific community. We propose to use XUV and soft X-rays produced by High Harmonic Generation (HHG), as the source for exploring most advanced multidimensional (3D spatial+1D frequency+1D time) imaging modalities for nanostructures and nanomaterials, and studying their fundamental physical properties and dynamics. Specifically, we propose to research the combination of multicolor nano-tomography and optical coherence tomography with high harmonic generated light, making particular emphasis on three-dimensional volumetric structural and property analysis. We will also use the HHG to study fundamental optical properties of nano-materials in XUV and soft X-ray region of spectrum - very important and largely unexplored area so far. We believe that such an interdisciplinary approach (attoscience techniques applied into nanoscience) can result in qualitatively new advances in the field.

Keywords: attosecond science,high harmonic generation,nanoscience
Molecular Characterisation of the INTRAcellular Plant Aquaporin Trafficking and Hetero-oligomerisation (INTRA PATH)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-04-01
End date: 2011-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 158989.69
EU funding (EUR): 158989.69
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In plants, the movement of water and small neutral solutes across the plasma membrane (PM) is dependent on the number and activity of water channels, named aquaporins (AQP). Little is known about mechanisms by which AQPs reach their final destination. Recent studies have shown that PIP (Plasma membrane Intrinsic Protein) aquaporins belonging to two subgroups, PIP1 and PIP2, physically interact to regulate their trafficking and the cell membrane water permeability. Therefore, this mechanism might play a pivotal role for the regulation of PIP functions. The main objective of the project is to generate detailed knowledge about the mechanisms regulating the intracellular trafficking of PIP1 and PIP2 aquaporins and the implication of their mutual interaction. To achieve this goal, 4 work packages have been defined. 1) We will characterise protein motifs responsible for ER retention of PIP1s and PM trafficking of PIP2s. 2) The amino acid residues responsible for the physical interaction between PIP1 and PIP2 isoforms will be determined. 3) We will investigate the transport capacity and selectivity of PIP hetero-oligomers. 4) Mechanisms governing subcellular PIP redistribution and dynamics upon specific stimuli will be characterised. The project represents a fundamental scientific approach providing valuable insights into hetero-oligomer formation, sorting and spatial redistribution of PIPs and will clearly advance the “state of the art” of the plant AQP research. It will generate a highly relevant basis for the uncovering of specific AQP functions in cells, tissues and thus in the metabolism of plants. Furthermore, these data will be crucial for the use of AQPs in biotechnological or plant breeding strategies aiming at a modulated water or solute transport leading to a higher drought resistance or an improved nutrient uptake or distribution in plants. Such traits demand a precise localisation of AQPs rather than a spatially uncontrolled modulation of AQP expression.

Keywords: molecular plant biology,plant physiology,plant water relations,aquaporin,trafficking,hetero-oligomerization,water channels,transport
MATERNAL EFFECTS: FROM ENVIRONMENT THROUGH TO THE MOLECULAR AND INDIVIDUAL LEVEL, AND BACK TO POPULATION ECOLOGY (MATE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-05-01
End date: 2011-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 181350.76
EU funding (EUR): 181350.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

One of the main issues in contemporary ecology is to understand how local and global changes in the environment affect natural populations. Recent investigations show that survival and fecundity are strongly affected by environmental conditions experienced during early life.. In particular, the conditions experienced by mothers and embryonic stages, can affect traits of individuals such as lipid reserves, or the latent ability to cope with thermal and osmotic stress. Therefore, important changes in survival, fecundity and population dynamics could be caused by changes in environmental conditions of the natal habitat, i.e. where the individuals are born as free-living organisms, but also, where adults mate and eggs/embryos develop associated to the mothers. In the marine habitat, climate change is provoking profound modifications of temperature and salinity, thereby affecting habitat conditions. Most marine animals develop through larval stages that disperse away from the natal habitat, but it is vital for the maintenance of populations that these individuals survive and recruit to the juvenile/adult stock. Maternal and embryonic effects on larval traits can be a source of variability in recruitment, thus acting as a conduit for local and global effects on populations. This proposal addresses the issue of the effect of natal habitat conditions on traits, survival and growth of larval stages. The project focuses on a key marine invertebrate, the shore crab Carcinus maenas, a predatory species native to the European coast, but invasive elsewhere. Following a comparative-experimental approach the project will study how egg and larval traits vary across different habitats and how temperature and salinity experienced by embryos affect larval traits, survival and growth. The gained knowledge will therefore give insights into the effects of global change on larval survival of marine invertebrates mediated by natal habitat effects.

Keywords: marine ecology,larval development,maternal effects,climate change,thermal and osmotic stress,na+-k+-atpase,hsp70,mrna expression,habitat quality,lipid classes,fatty acids,crustacea
Sperm competition and the evolution of the male reproductive genome: a case study in the nannoptera group of Drosophila (REPROEVOL)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-08-01
End date: 2012-01-31
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 171300.62
EU funding (EUR): 171300.62
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Sperm competition is known to affect many aspects of animal behaviour and anatomy. In this proposal, I will examine how the threat of sperm competition is reflected in the complexity of male ejaculates, and in the rate of evolution of the components of this ejaculate. My core hypothesis is that loss of sperm competition will be reflected in ejaculates that are less complex (as they do not have to function in maximizing success in sperm competition) and evolve less quickly (as they are not driven by recurrent selection from male-male conflicts). Using D. wassermani and D. nannoptera, two polyandrous species, and D. acanthoptera, a monandrous species, of the less-known Drosophila nannoptera group, I will examine how the gene set involved with male reproduction alters between polyandrous and monandrous species, and compare the evolutionary rate of genes involved with male reproduction in the different species. This will involve a) Using 454 sequencing to establish EST sets for accessory glands and testes for each species, and establish genes involved with male reproduction in each species. b) Comparing EST set membership between monandrous and polyandrous species, and between polyandrous species. c) Examining the level of divergence of the subset of genes involved with male reproduction. I will specifically test: a) Whether certain genes involved with male reproduction are lost following transition to monandry, and associated loss of sperm competition. b) Whether the rate of positive selection in genes involved in male reproduction is lower in the lineage leading to D. acanthoptera, associated with reduction in the intensity of sexual conflict. c) Whether genes involved with male reproduction present in all species (core genes) evolve more slowly than genes present only in polyandrous species that are likely to function in sperm competition.

Keywords: natural sciences,zoology,evolutionary biology,genomics,population genetics,animal reproduction,behavioural biology
ROLE OF HISTONE MODIFICATIONS IN DNA DAMAGE RESPONSE IN MAMMALS (HISTONEDDR)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IOF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-12-01
End date: 2013-10-01
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 237283.61
EU funding (EUR): 237283.61
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

After DNA damage a signal must be created to recruit DNA repair factors to the lesion. Then the repair machinery needs to gain access to DNA and chromatin should be properly reassembled. DNA assembly with histones to form chromatin creates a physically limits the access to DNA. Alterations of chromatin that do not affect the DNA sequence constitute the epigenetic level of regulation of DNA metabolism. Among them, the post-translational modification of histones can directly regulate chromatin structure and they can also recruit different proteins to DNA serving as signaling and docking points. There is not much information regarding the role of these modifications in DNA damage response (DDR). This project looks forward to gaining insight into the role of histone H3K79 and histone H4K20 methylation in recuiting DNA repair factors. 53BP1 has been proposed to be recruited to the lesions by methylation of H3K79 and/or H4K20, although the mechanism is not still clear. In yeast, Dot1, the enzyme responsible for H3K79 methylation, is required for a normal DDR. As a second objective we would like to analyze the potential modifications of H3K56 in mammalian cells and determine if they have a function in DDR. Also in yeast, it has been described that H3K56 acetylation is necessary for the re-assembly of chromatin after repair. In mammals it seems that methylation of this residue takes place instead of acetylation. However the role of these marks has not been well studied in mammals. We will employ in vitro cell culture to analyze the exposure of these marks after DNA damage, the changes in localization or protein interactions of the enzymes responsible for them and to identify proteins that create or recognize these marks. Additionally KO mice will be used to analyze the physiological relevance of the results in vivo. All these studies are highly relevant to the EU, as they imply the interconnection of two priority fields in EU (both of them have a European Network).

Keywords: cell biology,molecular biology,epigenetics,dna damage response,histone,h3k79,h4k20,h3k56
Towards a comprehensive mathematical description of the Dynamics of Nonlinear Networks. Applications in System Biology. (NLNET-DYN)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IOF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-09-01
End date: 2011-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 119180.76
EU funding (EUR): 119180.76
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A strong demand has been recently expressed in many disciplines of the European scientific area for the interdisciplinary development of modelling approaches to complex systems. A system is said to be complex when the knowledge of every individual is not enough to apprehend its global behaviour, and the effects of collective interactions need to be incorporated. Modelling approaches consist in establishing models and in studying their behaviours by various techniques. Mathematical techniques offer a rigorous way to describe robust phenomena and identify essential characteristics. Nonlinear networks are the generic models of complex systems. A central issue in their theory is to mathematically address the dynamics in arbitrary regimes of individual and collective factor strengths. So far, this problem has only been partly solved, in extreme regimes. Our project aims to provide a comprehensive mathematical picture. The main training objective is to gain expertise and to develop the necessary techniques, especially the abstract theory of non-uniform hyperbolic dynamical systems. The return phase also includes applications to concrete examples of regulatory networks in System Biology. The outgoing host group has been chosen according to its excellence in the field, especially its expertise in bridging theory and applications. The research experience in US will bring the complementary skills (project management, mentoring, etc) needed to attain a leading independent position in the return host. By proving new conceptual functioning schemes in original situations, the project will contribute to the European endeavour on complex systems which has recently been fostered by the creation of interdisciplinary institutes in EU. As to System Biology, the project will contribute to theoretical foundations of clinical gene therapy as a new approach to the treatment of diseases. In particular, this is relevant to Human Health theme of FP7 collaboration programme.

Keywords: applied mathematics,dynamical systems,complex systems,system biology
The Footprint Left by Aristotle and the Peripatos in the Papyri (FAPP)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-09-01
End date: 2011-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 164269.69
EU funding (EUR): 164269.69
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposal is aimed to detect and analyse the presence of Aristotle and the Peripatos in the papyri, covering both Greek papyri from Egypt and those from Herculaneum, and utilising the new finds from both the Oxyrhynchus and the Herculaneum collections, as well as the recent research of the Theophrastus project. For that reason, as integral part of this work, it is necessary to inspect the unpublished Oxyrynchus papyri in the Sackler collection in Oxford, provided by Dr. Dirk Obbink, where I recently edited a fragment containing some lines of the third book of Aristotle’s “Rhetoric”. An online database of the results will be built and linked in with the current online projects directed by Dr. Dirk Obbink (see http://www.papyrology.ox.ac.uk).

Keywords: humanities,philosophy,literature,history,papyrology
Probabilistic Assessment of the Retention and Transport of Sediments and Associated Pollutants in Rivers (PARTS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-04-01
End date: 2011-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 171867.63
EU funding (EUR): 171867.63
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Sediment dynamics in water bodies has been the subject of much study. Previously studies on moving sediments has focussed on their role in morphology. Recently, the transport and accumulation of sediment in natural rivers has become of interest to environmental scientists, as many pollutants are associated with sediments. Deterministic models still commonly used in engineering practice model sediment transport with average quantities. The latest research models use stochastic and now particle tracking approaches to better reflect nature. Random variable analysis is starting to be used but there is little data to test the new models. Grain scale measurements of transport have only recently been achieved as instrumental capabilities have increased. Increasing computing capability now has the potential to treat fluvial sediment systems with true probabilistic based simulations in which the fate of each particle can be individually tracked and modelled. Such a form of sediment modelling is still limited by the existing knowledge of the relevant grain scale physics rather than by computational limitations. The oldest but still most difficult questions to answer about river sediments is whether they do or do not move under the action of the flow and when in motion, where do they rest and for how long. The current proposal will use advanced instrumentation to measure hundreds of moving grains and local flow velocities. This data will be used to develop probabilistic approaches for transport rate prediction, further development of an existing discrete particle model will allow the time history of their grain movement including rest periods and their ultimate fate to be statistically described. This level of information will be required in the next generation of modelling tools that environmental scientists will need to predict the impact of pollutants associated with sediments that move and are then retained within river deposits for periods of time.

Keywords: hydraulic engineering