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Content archived on 2024-06-18

The role of epithelial sodium channels in adult neural stem cells

Objective

During adulthood, new neurons are generated by so called adult neurogenesis in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus and in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles. In these neurogenic niches, the adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) generate new neurons that are critical for establishing factual memories and mood control. Regulation of aNSCs is critical for cognitive brain functions and for development of future cell-based therapies of neurodegenerative diseases. While genetic and paracrine regulation of aNSCs have been studied extensively, the nature of molecular sensors detecting changes in their microenvironment is unknown. Pilot genome and functional analyses presented in this proposal show that the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) may serve as a candidate for such sensor in aNSCs. ENaC is found to be enriched in aNSCs over other sorted cell types from the brain and blocking ENaC impairs aNSCs. This proposal combines electrophysiology, live-cell imaging, genome screening and transgenic mouse technology to address two fundamental questions. First, can ENaC act as molecular sensors for aNSCs detecting environmental changes in the niche? Second, how are SVZ and hippocampal aNSCs differentially regulated by ENaC? The proposed experiments embody the call for the transfer of knowledge and the need for competitiveness on both intellectual and technical levels. The host laboratory belongs to world leaders in SVZ neurogenesis and has demonstrated technical prowess by developing new techniques such as the cell-clone analysis by long-term live imaging. The proposing researcher is an expert in SGZ neurogenesis and brings his electrophysiological expertise from the USA to the European host lab. This proposal thus aims to open new research venues for the field of adult neurogenesis by combining technical and innovative capacities of the host lab with the unique skill set and expertise of the proposing researcher.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF
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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.

MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)

Coordinator

HELMHOLTZ ZENTRUM MUENCHEN DEUTSCHES FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM FUER GESUNDHEIT UND UMWELT GMBH
EU contribution
€ 161 968,80
Address
INGOLSTADTER LANDSTRASSE 1
85764 Neuherberg
Germany

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Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Landkreis
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost

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.

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