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Content archived on 2024-06-18

From neurons to behavior: analysis of the mechanisms underlying sensory coding and plasticity in chemical senses

Objective

How sensory processing is occurring into the brain and how to relate behavior to neuronal activities are key questions in modern neuroscience. Understanding the neural codes underlying brain function will be of great importance for future implementation of brain-machine interfaces. This research project proposes to study the cellular and network mechanisms controlling sensory perception. In particular, we would like to precise how sensory stimuli are coded by brain networks and how these representations may be influenced by experience or modulatory brain centers. In order to address these general questions, we propose to study olfaction as model sensory system. The olfactory system is central to the behavior of rodents (animal models that we study), is highly plastic and largely modulated by the neuromodulatory brain centers. We propose to use a combination of genetic, electrophysiological, imaging and behavioral methods to study how odor information is processed in the central nervous system as it moves from the periphery to higher areas of the brain. We showed in the past that sensory information can be contained in dynamic neural ensemble. We propose to show that ensemble dynamics may be the basis of odor coding in the olfactory bulb and to describe the mechanisms underlying cortical coding that would allow us to relate neuronal activity to behavior. In addition, we hope to show the existence of a novel form of plasticity in the olfactory bulb namely ensemble plasticity. We believe that the general questions addressed in the study of these sensory systems go beyond understanding olfactory sensory perception and could potentially be generalized to the function of many brain regions.

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.

ERC-2009-StG
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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.

ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Host institution

UNIVERSITE DE GENEVE
EU contribution
€ 1 399 998,00
Address
RUE DU GENERAL DUFOUR 24
1211 Geneve
Switzerland

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Region
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Genève
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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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.

No data

Beneficiaries (1)

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