Calls for proposals

Standard and exploratory AAP

ThePTL COSMIC(Complex Organoid Systems with Multifaceted Interactions) program, part of theBiology-Healthcluster, launched itsfirst call for projects in 2025.

This call aims tofund bold, risky, and disruptive projects in order to stimulate innovation and the exploration of new scientific horizons.

ThePTL COSMICaims to:

• Developingnew advanced experimental models
• Increase theanalytical capabilitiesof these systems
• Deepening ourunderstanding of living systems
• Propose models withhigh translational potential

In addition, the PTL is committed tostructuring and strengthening the local scientific communityby supporting collaborative initiatives.

AAP Master's Scholarships

The PTL COSMIC has funded five master's scholarships as part of the Biology-Health Cluster's "Master's Scholarships" call for proposals. This funding supports projects related to the theme of the PTL COSMIC – Complex Organoid Systems with Multifaceted Interactions, involving a team from the Biology-Health Research Cluster.

Standard projects

• John De Vos, IRMB
• Mireia Pelegrin, IRMB
• Delphine Muriaux, IRIM
• Edouard Tuaillon, PCCEI

The IMMUNLUNG project aims to develop an advanced model of human bronchial tissue derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) on a chip (Organ-on-Chip) incorporating immune and endothelial cells. This immunocompetent mini-lung will enable researchers to study the impact of the "cocktail" of air pollutants and respiratory viruses—the air exposome—on bronchial epithelial function and inflammation. This platform will provide a powerful tool for research, small molecule therapeutic screening, and a pathway to personalized medicine.

• Jean-Philippe Hugnot, IGF

Developing Human Mini-Brain Models to Study Glioma–Neuron Interactions

Our laboratory, composed of clinicians and researchers at the IGF, focuses on brain tumors known as gliomas, which remain incurable. We particularly study IDH1-mutant gliomas, a form that often affects young adults. It is now well established that these tumor cells interact closely with the neurons of the brain.
The goal of our funded project is to develop a model to study glioma–brain interactions using humanmini-brains(tumoroids) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
To achieve this, we have collaborated with Synaxys (Toulouse) to develop a 3D model, while also establishing a complementary 2D model in our own laboratory.

exploratory project

• Fabien Blanchet, IRIM

SKINCEPTION

Our “SKINCEPTION” project pioneers the next generation of human skin organoids, redefining how we model and understand human skin biology. Derived from hiPSCs, such self-organizing in vitro-derived skins authentically recreate the layers, cell diversity, and appendages of real human skin. What truly sets our project apart is the integration of immune cells (macrophages (MØ), dendritic cells (DC), Langerhans cells (LC), and T lymphocytes), creating an immune-competent skin organoid capable of mimicking natural skin–immune interactions. Coupled with cutting-edge single-cell and spatial multi-omics, this system would become a living physiological system to study viral infections, inflammation, and regeneration directly in a human context. The outcome of SKINCEPTION will revolutionize our ability to decode host-virus interactions, uncover new immune pathways while also potentially fueling personalized therapies for skin-related viral diseases.

• Caroline Bonnans, IGF

Crosstalk between murine colorectal cancer cells and sensory neurons in an in vitro 3D co-culture model using tumoroids

It is essential to gain a better understanding of the interactions between the different components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in order to explore new therapeutic applications and improve the management of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We are interested in studying the role of sensory neurons and their neuromediators, such as CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide), in CRC tumorigenesis and immune response. The aim of the Master 2 student project will be to study the crosstalk between murine colorectal cancer cells and sensory neurons in an in vitro 3D co-culture model using tumoroids. The student will work on finding the best culture conditions for optimum viability and interaction (Objective 1). The student will measure tumoroid size and neurite number and length to be able to determine whether cancer cells and sensory neurons could impact their respective growth (Objective 2).

• Jean-Marc Brondello and Marie Morille, IRMB

Reprogramming senescence in osteoarthritic cartilage organoids using mRNA-based therapy

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease affecting millions of people, characterized by the progressive degradation of joint cartilage. One of the major causes of this degeneration is the accumulation of senescent cells, which secrete pro-inflammatory factors and impair tissue regeneration. Current therapies are mainly symptomatic and do not target the underlying cellular mechanisms. This project explores an innovative approach to regenerative senotherapy, based on the transient delivery of mRNA encoding an anti-senescent factor, in order to restore the functions of senescent chondrocytes.

• Martine Daujat, IRMB

Liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment for advanced liver disease, but the shortage of donors and the clinical condition of patients limit access to it. Hepatocyte transplantation is a less invasive alternative, provided that their survival, function, and implantation can be improved. The ECTOLIV program aims to develop a device based on vascularized human hepatocyte spheroids capable of surviving in an ectopic site and supporting liver function in a murine model of cirrhosis. The aim of the Master's 2 internship will focus on the bioengineering of 3D hepatic spheroids to improve their resistance toischemia and optimize their in vitro pre-vascularization in various hydrogels.

• Solange Desagher, IRIM

Optimization and use of human midbrain organoids to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of alpha-synuclein aggregation induced by the influenza virus.

Epidemiological studies have established an association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and influenza A virus (IAV) infection. To establish a causal link, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms by which this virus could cause the disease. Our preliminary results suggest that IAV induces the aggregation of the alpha-synuclein (aSyn) protein, a process crucial in the pathogenesis of PD. Since the neurons that degenerate in PD are dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, our goal is to implement and optimize the culture of human mesencephalic organoids to best model PD and study the mechanisms by which IAV could induce aSyn aggregation.

Immunofluorescence-labeled section of a midbrain organoid with an antibody against IAV, a dopaminergic neuron marker, and an aSyn aggregation marker.

• Mireia Pelegrin, IRMB

Characterization of lymphoid organoids derived from tonsils for the study of vaccine responses

Lymphoid organoids (LO) are therefore a relevant model for studying immune cell interactions and testing new therapeutic strategies. This project focuses on the phenotypic and functional characterization of LO derived from tonsils activated by different immunogens, using multiparametric flow cytometry and confocal imaging. These LO can be used to study fundamental questions in immunology and to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccine approaches and innovative therapies.

BCM: BioCampus Montpellier
BC2M: Biocommunication in Cardio-Metabolism
CEMIPAI: Center for the Study of Infectious Diseases and Anti-Infectious Pharmacology
CBS: Center for Structural Biology
CRBM: Montpellier Center for Research in Cell Biology
DEFE: Embryonic Development, Fertility, and Environment
DMEM: Muscle Dynamics and Metabolism
EuroMov DHM: EuroMov Digital Health in Motion
IDESP: Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health
IGH: Institute of Human Genetics
IGMM: Montpellier Institute of Molecular Genetics
IGF: Institute of Functional Genomics
IMAGINE: Initial Management and Prevention of Acute Organ Failures in Critically Ill Patients
INM: Montpellier Institute of Neuroscience
INTERTRYP: Host-Vector-Parasite Interactions in the Environment in Neglected Tropical Diseases Caused by Trypanosomatids
IRCM: Montpellier Cancer Research Institute
IRIM: Montpellier Institute for Infectious Disease Research
IRMB: Stem cells, cellular plasticity, tissue regeneration, and immunotherapy of inflammatory diseases
LBN: Bioengineering and Nanosciences Laboratory
LPHI: Laboratory of Pathogens and Host Immunity
MMDN: Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementias
PCCEI: Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections
PhyMedExp: Physiology and Experimental Medicine of the Heart and Muscles
Sys2Diag: Modeling and Engineering of Complex Biological Systems for Diagnosis
TransVIHMI: Translational Research on HIV and Endemic and Emerging Infectious Diseases
VBIC: Bacterial Virulence and Chronic Infections