Objective
The overall theme of this proposal is to understand how cortical circuits are modified by experience. I propose to determine the cellular and synaptic basis of long-term experience-dependent potentiation of visual responses in the adult primary visual cortex. My hypothesis is that changes in cortical inhibition from specific classes of interneurons underlie the potentiation of excitatory neuron responses to visual stimuli.
I will test this hypothesis in vivo, in the mouse primary visual cortex, using two-photon calcium imaging. I propose to image the activity of genetically-defined types of neurons in layers 2/3 and 4, during and after induction of long-term plasticity by repetitive presentation of a given visual stimulus. I will then determine the synaptic correlates of these activity changes both in excitatory and in the relevant inhibitory neurons. The proposal is organized around 4 questions:
1. Which excitatory and inhibitory neuronal populations are involved in long-term potentiation of visual responses?
2. How does experience alter the functional properties of synapses and dendritic integration in excitatory neurons?
3. How does experience alter synaptic inputs and dendritic integration in inhibitory neurons?
4. How are experience-dependent synaptic mechanisms impaired in a mouse model of autistic spectrum disorders?
Revealing how cortical responses are strengthened by experience will suggest possible strategies to augment such changes and promote functional recovery, for example, to increase the impact of perceptual learning for the recovery of visual function in amblyopic patients, after stroke or after traumatic brain injury in the visual cortex. Finally, these results will also elucidate potential specific defects in inhibition in Fragile X mouse models, and thus give insights into whether and how targeted GABAergic drugs could be of therapeutic value in this disorder.
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 chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkaline earth metals
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology stroke
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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-2013-CIG
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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.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
EH8 9YL Edinburgh
United Kingdom
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.