Obiettivo Serotonin (5-HT) is implicated in a wide spectrum of brain functions and disorders. However, its functions remain controversial and enigmatic. We suggest that past work on the 5-HT system have been significantly hampered by technical limitations in the selectivity and temporal resolution of the conventional pharmacological and electrophysiological methods that have been applied. We therefore propose to apply novel optogenetic methods that will allow us to overcome these limitations and thereby gain new insight into the biological functions of this important molecule. In preliminary studies, we have demonstrated that we can deliver exogenous proteins specifically to 5-HT neurons using viral vectors. Our objectives are to (1) record, (2) stimulate and (3) silence the activity of 5-HT neurons with high molecular selectivity and temporal precision by using genetically-encoded sensors, activators and inhibitors of neural function. These tools will allow us to monitor and control the 5-HT system in real-time in freely-behaving animals and thereby to establish causal links between information processing in 5-HT neurons and specific behaviors. In combination with quantitative behavioral assays, we will use this approach to define the role of 5-HT in sensory, motor and cognitive functions. The significance of the work is three-fold. First, we will establish a new arsenal of tools for probing the physiological and behavioral functions of 5-HT neurons. Second, we will make definitive tests of major hypotheses of 5-HT function. Third, we will have possible therapeutic applications. In this way, the proposed work has the potential for a major impact in research on the role of 5-HT in brain function and dysfunction. Campo scientifico natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologycognitive neurosciencenatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencedata processing Programma(i) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Argomento(i) ERC-AG-LS5 - ERC Advanced Grant - Neurosciences and neural disorders Invito a presentare proposte ERC-2009-AdG Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Istituzione ospitante FUNDACAO D. ANNA DE SOMMER CHAMPALIMAUD E DR. CARLOS MONTEZ CHAMPALIMAUD Contributo UE € 1 401 513,99 Indirizzo AVENIDA BRASILIA, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACAO DA FUNDACAO CHAMPALIMAUD 1400-038 Lisboa Portogallo Mostra sulla mappa Regione Continente Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Tipo di attività Research Organisations Contatto amministrativo Tania Vinagre (Dr.) Ricercatore principale Zachary Mainen (Dr.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato Beneficiari (2) Classifica in ordine alfabetico Classifica per Contributo UE Espandi tutto Riduci tutto FUNDACAO D. ANNA DE SOMMER CHAMPALIMAUD E DR. CARLOS MONTEZ CHAMPALIMAUD Portogallo Contributo UE € 1 401 513,99 Indirizzo AVENIDA BRASILIA, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACAO DA FUNDACAO CHAMPALIMAUD 1400-038 Lisboa Mostra sulla mappa Regione Continente Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Tipo di attività Research Organisations Contatto amministrativo Tania Vinagre (Dr.) Ricercatore principale Zachary Mainen (Dr.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato FUNDACAO CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN Partecipazione conclusa Portogallo Contributo UE € 917 122,41 Indirizzo AVENIDA BERNA 45A 1067-001 LISBOA Mostra sulla mappa Regione Continente Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Tipo di attività Research Organisations Contatto amministrativo José Mario Leite (Mr.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato