Objective
Recent evidence suggests that VEGF and the vasculature play multiple roles in organ homeostasis, functions extending far beyond their traditional roles in tissue perfusion. The proposed study represents a vascular-centred approach to the neurovascular unit thriving to gain further insights on the many ways by which blood vessels may affect proper brain functioning. Major focus is on the vascular stem cell niche, i.e. the contention that blood vessels are a key component of adult stem cell niches, including a niche securing proper function of neuronal stem cells (NSCs). Further insights on the niche are also critical for contemplated implementation of stem-cell based therapy. In this multidisciplinary study combining the fields of vascular biology, neurobiology, stem cell biology, and aging research, we harness unique transgenic methodologies to conditionally manipulate (via VEGF) the vasculature within the stem cell niches. We provide a first compelling proof that blood vessels at the niche indeed control stem cells properties and behaviour, evidenced by showing that mere expansion of the niche vasculature and independently of VEGF) increases dramatically adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a process known to be associated with improved cognitive performance. We will determine what aspects of stem cell biology are controlled by juxtaposed, directly contacting blood vessels and will identify signalling systems mediating the vascular/stem cell cross-talk.
Adult neurogenesis is known to rapidly decline with age and ways to sustain the process are highly desired. We hypothesize and, in fact, provide initial evidence that expanding and 'rejuvenating' the niche vasculature can override the natural age-dependent decline of adult neurogenesis. Proposed experiments will extend this exciting finding and thrive to uncover the underlying mechanisms.
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: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology cells technologies stem cells
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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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.
ERC-2012-ADG_20120314
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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.
Host institution
91904 JERUSALEM
Israel
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.