Objective
Locomotion relies on neural networks called central pattern generators (CPGs) that generate periodic motor commands for rhythmic movements. The manipulation of electrical activity and cell signaling in specific neuron type using light gated receptors enables us today to dissect the specific neuronal circuits forming the CPGs, and understand the dynamic role of sensory inputs in awake behaving animals.
During my work in UC Berkeley, I developed the use of light gated receptors in vivo (Szobota 2007, Pautot 2008 and Wyart 2009). This novel approach enables us to test directly the role of specific pattern of activity in genetically identified neurons for shaping the complex locomotor behaviors.
Using a combination of targeted gene expression and optical tools for monitoring and manipulating neuronal activity (“optogenetics”) in awake behaving animals, we have revealed the role of mysterious cells present at the interface between the spinal cord and the central canal: the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contacting neurons. I demonstrated that during early development in low vertebrates these cells provide the positive drive to the spinal central pattern generators for spontaneous locomotion (Wyart et al 2009).
My future plan focuses on investigating further the circuits of locomotion in the healthy and severed spinal cord. My project consists in three distinct aims:
Aim 1. To examine the chemo- and mechano-sensory functions of spinal
CSF-contacting neurons
Aim 2. To elucidate the role of dynamic sensory feedback for triggering
transitions during locomotion
Aim 3. To improve recovery of function after spinal cord injury using
optogenetics
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology cell signaling
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence computational intelligence
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
75013 Paris
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.