Objectif Among the most fundamental questions in modern biology is how we learn and remember. Using novel genetic tools, we can now ask fundamental questions not previously possible about how the brain encodes memories. For instance, how many neurons are required for learning? Are the network requirements similar in different brain regions? And, probably most intriguingly, how is a neuron that is part of a memory trace different from its neighboring neurons? In other words, what is the cellular and molecular basis of a memory?Using Pavlovian fear conditioning, decades of elegant experiments have mapped the anatomical location of the engram for learned fear. However, at the cellular and molecular level, little is known about the physiology of individual neurons that encode a memory. Our recent results suggest a path forward, using novel genetic tools in mice that permit targeted manipulations of genes with both spatial and temporal-specificity. In particular, using genetic manipulations of proteins absolutely required for associative learning, we now have the potential to restrict the network space in which neuronal plasticity can occur, permitting the characterization of individual neurons responsible for encoding a specific memory.Our experiments will focus on understanding the fundamental rules by which memories are organized within the brain. Specifically, we will use the immediate-early gene Arc to map neurons active during fear conditioning at single-cell resolution. Next, we plan to define the minimum neural network requirements for establishing a fear memory. Finally, we will investigate the learning-related changes in molecular, structural, and systems-level plasticity of individual neurons of the memory trace.Importantly, the results of these studies will not only expand our mechanistic understanding of the neurobiology of memory, but could also provide opportunities for clinical translation into cognitive neuropsychiatric disorders. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologynatural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligencecomputational intelligence Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Appel à propositions FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinateur ERASMUS UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM ROTTERDAM Contribution de l’UE € 169 535,20 Adresse DR MOLEWATERPLEIN 40 3015 GD Rotterdam Pays-Bas Voir sur la carte Région West-Nederland Zuid-Holland Groot-Rijnmond Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Hendrik Kuiperbak (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
