Objective
This application addresses mechanisms linking the activity of single neurons with network events by defining the function of identified cell types in the cerebral cortex. The key hypotheses emerged from our experiments and propose that neurogliaform cells and axo-axonic cells achieve their function in the cortex through extreme forms of unspecificity and specificity, respectively. The project capitalizes on our discovery that neurogliaform cells reach GABAA and GABAB receptors on target cells through unitary volume transmission going beyond the classical theory which states that single cortical neurons act in or around synaptic junctions. We propose that the spatial unspecificity of neurotransmitter action leads to unprecedented functional capabilities for a single neuron simultaneously acting on neuronal, glial and vascular components of the surrounding area allowing neurogliaform cells to synchronize metabolic demand and supply in microcircuits. In contrast, axo-axonic cells represent extreme spatial specificity in the brain: terminals of axo-axonic cells exclusively target the axon initial segment of pyramidal neurons. Axo-axonic cells were considered as the most potent inhibitory neurons of the cortex. However, our experiments suggested that axo-axonic cells can be the most powerful excitatory neurons known to date by triggering complex network events. Our unprecedented recordings in the human cortex show that axo-axonic cells are crucial in activating functional assemblies which were implicated in higher order cognitive representations. We aim to define interactions between active cortical networks and axo-axonic cell triggered assemblies with an emphasis on mechanisms modulated by neurogliaform cells and commonly prescribed drugs.
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
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications telecommunications networks mobile network
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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.
ERC-2010-AdG_20100317
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.
Host institution
6720 Szeged
Hungary
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.