Synaptic mechanisms of memory loss: novel cell adhesion molecules as therapeutic targets

Objective

Memory loss is a central symptom in different diseases, and represents a significant social and economic burden for a large percentage of European citizens. The molecular and neurobiological bases of memory deficits are largely unknown and there are currently no drugs available that can markedly decelerate or prevent memory decline. To address this major problem, this project will investigate the role of novel synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in memory loss, and the therapeutic value of targeting these CAMs to restore memory function and associated neurobiological mechanisms at the synaptic level. The selection of novel synaptic CAMs is based on (1) recent evidence showing that they can recruit the synaptic machinery and form synapses; (2) the implication of CAMs, in general, in synaptic plasticity and memory, and (3) a direct link established between synaptic remodelling and memory formation. We have assembled a multidisciplinary consortium including excellent European researchers in this field, covering a wide range of structural, biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioural expertise. To understand memory loss, three domains have been selected as among the most prominent and widespread disease domains affecting memory and quality of life in our society: psychiatric disorders, the neurodegenerative disorder of Alzheimer's disease, stress and aging. For each disease domain, specific and validated animal models will be used to investigate memory loss on molecular, subcellular, cellular and functional levels. Our approach will result in the preclinical development and validation of mimetic peptides for novel synaptic CAMs as potential drug candidates to treat memory deficits or prevent memory decline. The current proposal offers the groundbreaking possibility to raise the bar in memory research by targeting novel molecules and developing effective drugs to treat memory disturbances based on their biological mechanism.

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.

• medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy drug discovery
• natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology cognitive neuroscience
• medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology dementia alzheimer
• medical and health sciences clinical medicine psychiatry
• natural sciences biological sciences cell biology

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

• Alzheimer's disease
• Memory loss
• aging
• metalloproteases
• novel synaptic cell adhesion molecule
• novel synaptic cell adhesion molecules
• peptides
• plasticity
• psychiatric disorders
• spines
• stress
• synapses

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

• FP7-HEALTH - Specific Programme "Cooperation": Health

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.

• HEALTH-2007-2.2.1-4 - Memory loss: underlying mechanisms and therapy

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-HEALTH-2007-A
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.

CP-FP - Small or medium-scale focused research project

Coordinator

Participants (8)