Objective The neural assembly underlying the formation of functional networks in the cerebral cortex constitutes one of the most complex neuronal systems in the brain. Much of this complexity arises during development through the interaction of two distinct neuronal types, the glutamatergic projection neurons and g-aminobutyric containing (GABAergic) interneurons. Recently, interneuron dysfunction has been associated with severe neurological and psychiatric disorders (e.g. epilepsy, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). In order to achieve true progress in the understanding of cortical development and of neurological diseases associated with cortical interneuron dysfunction, a complete account of the development of its neuronal constituents is essential. In that sense, despite the detailed picture that is emerging about the development of cortical projection neurons, the mechanisms underlying the development of interneurons in the cerebral cortex have remained poorly defined. The general goal of the network is to obtain a comprehensive definition of the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the development of cortical interneurons. To reach this aim, we will take a multidisciplinary approach by combining novel bioinformatic and genomics applications, cutting-edge imaging techniques, and conventional cellular, molecular and electrophysiological methodologies. In addition, we will develop new genetic tools to engineer developmental models of cortical disorders involving interneuron deficiency. Thus, successful execution of the project will result in: i) New knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the specification, migration and terminal differentiation of cortical interneurons, and ii) Generation of new developmental models of cortical disorders resulting from interneuron deficiency. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologyepilepsymedical and health sciencesclinical medicinepsychiatryschizophrenianatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomes Keywords Cerebral cortex GABA cell-therapy cortical disorders development epilepsy genomics microarrays migration mouse genetics mouse models neuron patterning schizophrenia synaptogenesis therapy Programme(s) FP6-LIFESCIHEALTH - Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health: Thematic Priority 1 under the Focusing and Integrating Community Research programme 2002-2006. Topic(s) LSH-2003-2.1.3-5 - Cortical development Call for proposal FP6-2003-LIFESCIHEALTH-I See other projects for this call Funding Scheme STREP - Specific Targeted Research Project Coordinator CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS EU contribution No data Address Serrano 117 MADRID Spain See on map Total cost No data Participants (7) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY - HELLAS Greece EU contribution No data Address Vassilika Vouton 1527 HERAKLION See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address 20 Park Crescent LONDON See on map Total cost No data CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE France EU contribution No data Address 3 Rue Michel-Ange PARIS See on map Total cost No data ORYZON GENOMICS SA Spain EU contribution No data Address PARC CIENTIFIC DE BARCELONA - C/ JOSEP SAMITIER 1 BARCELONA See on map Total cost No data UNIVERSIDAD MIGUEL HERNANDEZ Spain EU contribution No data Address Avda. de la Universidad s/n ELCHE, ALICANTE See on map Total cost No data FUNDACIÓN PARA LA INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMÉDICA DEL HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARIO RAMÓN Y CAJAL Spain EU contribution No data Address Ctra Colmenar Km 9 Planta -2D MADRID See on map Total cost No data FONDAZIONE TELETHON Italy EU contribution No data Address VIA SALICETO, 5 ROME See on map Total cost No data
