Objective A major challenge in neuroscience is to understand how information is stored and coded within single nerve cells (neurons) and across neuron populations in the brain. Nerve cell fibres (axons) are thought to provide the wiring to connect neurons and conduct the electrical nerve impulse (action potential; AP). Recent discoveries, however, show that the initial part of axons actively participates in modulating APs and providing a means to enhance the computational repertoire of neurons in the central nervous system. To decrease the temporal delay in information transmission over long distances most axons are myelinated. Here, we will test the hypothesis that the degree of myelination of single axons directly and indirectly influences the mechanisms of AP generation and neural coding. We will use a novel approach of patch-clamp recording combined with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural identification to develop a detailed model of single myelinated neocortical axons. We also will investigate the neuron-glia interactions responsible for the myelination process and measure whether their development follows an activity-dependent process. Finally, we will elucidate the physiological and molecular similarities and discrepancies between myelinated and experimentally demyelinated single neocortical axons. These studies will provide a novel methodological framework to study central nervous system axons and yield basic insights into myelin physiology and pathophysiology. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologypathophysiology Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-LS5 - ERC Starting Grant - Neurosciences and neural disorders Call for proposal ERC-2010-StG_20091118 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution KONINKLIJKE NEDERLANDSE AKADEMIE VAN WETENSCHAPPEN - KNAW EU contribution € 1 994 640,00 Address KLOVENIERSBURGWAL 29 HET TRIPPENHUIS 1011 JV AMSTERDAM Netherlands See on map Region West-Nederland Noord-Holland Groot-Amsterdam Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Ronald Van Der Neut (Dr.) Principal investigator Maarten Kole (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all KONINKLIJKE NEDERLANDSE AKADEMIE VAN WETENSCHAPPEN - KNAW Netherlands EU contribution € 1 994 640,00 Address KLOVENIERSBURGWAL 29 HET TRIPPENHUIS 1011 JV AMSTERDAM See on map Region West-Nederland Noord-Holland Groot-Amsterdam Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Ronald Van Der Neut (Dr.) Principal investigator Maarten Kole (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
