Objective
Temporal co-ordination of the activity of cortical neurons underlies cognitive processes. Intracortical inhibitory circuits set temporal windows for modulation of glutamatergic pyramidal cell firing. In non-human mammals, the activity of the GABAergic neurons is governed by other specialised GABAergic neurons, which can dis-inhibit pyramidal cells. The overarching aim of this project is to define cellular and pharmacological mechanisms of dis-inhibitory circuits in the human cerebral cortex. These circuits could act as regulators of cognitive process. First, we will investigate the neuron types and their synaptic influences to characterise how dis-inhibition controls synaptic integration and the output of neurons. Second, we will elucidate synaptic plasticity in dis-inhibitory circuits, as plastic events likely represent physiological substrates of cognitive operations. Third, we will identify the subcellular sites and the mechanisms of action of key receptors for ACh, monoamines, endocannabinoids, neuropeptides and mGluRs modulating dis-inhibitory circuits, which are targets of small molecule CNS drugs, such as cognitive enhancers. We will test three hypotheses: 1) the human cortical pyramidal cell output is gated by compartment-specific dis-inhibition mediated by specific interneurons; 2) activity-dependent plasticity occurs in dis-inhibitory circuits and has consequences for the output of cortical pyramidal neurons; 3) small molecule drugs act via dis-inhibitory mechanisms at cell-type specific sites altering the inhibitory dynamics of pyramidal cells leading to subcellular redistribution of inhibition and alteration in their output. Combined electrophysiology/imaging with neuropharmacology and high resolution molecular receptor localisation will generate an unprecedented knowledge of the human cortical circuits. Understanding human cortical neuronal connections and their responses to pharmacological interventions may also lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
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 zoology mammalogy
- social sciences psychology cognitive psychology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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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.
(opens in new window) ERC-2015-AdG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
OX1 2JD Oxford
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.