Project description
Neuronal network gap junctions and the regulation of electrical coupling
The complex network activity of the central nervous system (CNS) is an interplay between intrinsic neuronal properties and cell connections. In the mammalian CNS, in addition to chemical synapses, the circuit activity depends on electrical synapses formed by intercellular connexin channels in gap junctions (GJs). The EU-funded TOGETHER project aims to elucidate how GJs shape brain output and electrical coupling regulation using a recently discovered difference between hypothalamic tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons in rats and mice. The rat’s TIDA neurons are connected by strong GJs, but in the mouse the same cells lack electrical synapses, resulting in different parenting phenotypes. Using the TIDA system as a platform, the project will address the regulation and role of electrical coupling.
Objective
The complex network activity patterns of the CNS result from an interplay between intrinsic neuronal properties and the connections formed by component cells. Connectivity is most commonly considered in terms of the classical chemical synapse. It is now clear, however, that electrical synapses formed by intercellular connexin channels in gap junctions (GJs) are widespread in the mammalian CNS and critically influence circuit activity. But exactly how GJs shape brain output, and how electrical coupling is regulated over different time-scales remains elusive.
In the proposed project, we will take advantage of a recently discovered species difference between hypothalamic tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons in the rat and mouse, to address these issues. In the rat, TIDA neurons are connected by strong GJs and exhibit a slow network oscillation; in the mouse the same cells completely lack electrical synapses and oscillate faster, a difference that ultimately leads to different male parenting phenotypes. Using the TIDA system as a platform, we will examine:
I) What happens to TIDA neuronal properties and the male paternal circuit when GJs are removed from the coupled circuit, or when uncoupled cells are joined by electrical synapses?
II) Does the pregnant dam prepare for motherhood by decoupling the TIDA network?
III) Does electrical coupling fluctuate across neuronal oscillations? What are the mechanisms and consequences for circuit output?
IV) Which organizing principles are conferred onto a network by the presence of GJs?
These issues will be addressed by a combination of in vitro electrophysiology, imaging, voltammetry, behavioural paradigms and molecular analysis for a comprehensive investigation of GJ function and modulation. By leveraging the unique “experiment of nature” offered by the rodent TIDA system, the proposed project will address core issues of electrical coupling that have long remained out of reach for experimental scrutiny.
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: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
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.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-ADG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
10691 Stockholm
Sweden
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.