Objective Brain information processing is commonly thought to be a neuronal performance. However recent data point to a key role of astrocytes in brain development, activity and pathology. Indeed astrocytes are now viewed as crucial elements of the brain circuitry that control synapse formation, maturation, activity and elimination. How do astrocytes exert such control is matter of intense research, as they are now known to participate in critical developmental periods as well as in psychiatric disorders involving synapse alterations. Thus unraveling how astrocytes control synaptic circuit formation and maturation is crucial, not only for our understanding of brain development, but also for identifying novel therapeutic targets.We recently found that connexin 30 (Cx30), an astroglial gap junction subunit expressed postnatally, tunes synaptic activity via an unprecedented non-channel function setting the proximity of glial processes to synaptic clefts, essential for synaptic glutamate clearance efficacy. Our work not only reveals Cx30 as a key determinant of glial synapse coverage, but also extends the classical model of neuroglial interactions in which astrocytes are generally considered as extrasynaptic elements indirectly regulating neurotransmission. Yet the molecular mechanisms involved in such control, its dynamic regulation by activity and impact in a native developmental context are unknown. We will now address these important questions, focusing on the involvement of this novel astroglial function in wiring developing synaptic circuits.Thus using a multidisciplinary approach we will investigate:1) the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Cx30 regulation of synaptic function2) the activity-dependent dynamics of Cx30 function at synapses3) a role for Cx30 in wiring synaptic circuits during critical developmental periodsThis ambitious project will provide essential knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying astroglial control of synaptic circuits. Fields of science medical and health sciencesclinical medicinepsychiatrymedical and health sciencesclinical medicinephysiotherapymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineobstetricspostnatal caremedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathologynatural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencedata processing Keywords neuroglial interactions astrocytes synapse plasticity criticial period Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-CoG-2015 - ERC Consolidator Grant Call for proposal ERC-2015-CoG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant Host institution COLLEGE DE FRANCE Net EU contribution € 1 587 500,00 Address PLACE MARCELIN BERTHELOT 11 75005 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 2 000 000,00 Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all COLLEGE DE FRANCE France Net EU contribution € 1 587 500,00 Address PLACE MARCELIN BERTHELOT 11 75005 Paris See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 2 000 000,00 Third-party Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure. INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE France Net EU contribution € 412 500,00 Address RUE DE TOLBIAC 101 75654 Paris See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 412 500,00