Objective
The aim of the current proposal is to investigate how synaptic inputs that innervate the distal dendrites of central neurons are integrated to form a neuronal output. The distal dendritic tree is the dendritic compartment furthest away from the action potential initiation zone. In the neocortex ascending afferent and intra-cortical information converges in neocortical layer 1 suggesting a prominent functional role, however only the most distal apical dendrites of layer 5 pyramidal neurons enter layer 1. We hypothesise that synaptic inputs are locally integrated at distal dendritic sites, perhaps in individual dendritic branches, leading to the generation of dendritic spikes as an output of compartmentalised integration. This hypothesis has until now been difficult to test experimentally as such distal dendrites are not amenable to direct electrical recording techniques. We plan to explore if these structures are capable of generating regenerative spike activity by remotely exciting individual branches of the distal apical dendritic tree using light-activated ion channels expressed in neocortical pyramidal neurons and measuring electrical activity at accessible nearby large calibre apical dendritic trunk sites and the soma. The use of light-activated channels to excite neurons is at the cutting edge of neuroscience research. Our plan is to use these channels to excite individual dendritic elements; a proposal that will require a multidisciplinary approach utilizing molecular, microscopy and electrophysiological approaches in an attempt to unravel the integrative operations of central neurons.
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 neurobiology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science data processing
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
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.
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-IEF-2008
See other projects for this call
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.
Coordinator
W1B 1AL LONDON
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.