Project description
Reprogramming nervous system cell identity and remodelling the diseased brain circuits
Cell identity reprogramming in the nervous system offers the prospect of remodelling diseased brain circuits. Recent studies have demonstrated the conversion of the brain glial cells into neurons in vivo. However, it is unclear how the converted neurons may integrate into pre-existing circuits and if they can participate in cortical information processing and restore dysfunctional cortical circuits. Previously, the project discovered a combination of reprogramming factors to induce fast-spiking, parvalbumin expressing interneurons, which are vulnerable in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. The EU-funded IMAGINE project aims to visualise the conversion of glial cells into induced interneurons in real time using in vivo imaging. The study will test the induced interneurons for their ability to rescue excitation-to-inhibition balance in a mouse model of endogenous interneuron dysfunction.
Objective
Direct lineage reprogramming of cell identity in the nervous system offers the prospect of remodelling diseased brain circuits. Recent years have provided evidence for the possibility of converting brain glia into neurons in vivo. Yet, the process by which glial cells give up their original identity and adopt a neuronal fate remains by large enigmatic. Moreover, it is unclear how neurons induced from glia may integrate into the pre-existing circuits of non-neurogenic brain regions such as the cerebral cortex. Finally, can they participate in cortical information processing and even restore dysfunctional cortical circuits?
We have discovered a specific cocktail of reprogramming factors that gives rise to induced neurons with hallmark features of fast-spiking, parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, a neuronal subtype that is highly vulnerable in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Here, we aim at visualising the conversion of glia into these induced interneurons in real time by in vivo imaging. This will not only unambiguously demonstrate the genuineness of the identity switch, but also unveil cellular intermediates along the reprogramming process. By measuring single cell gene expression during conversion, we will be able to relate intermediate states to their molecular underpinnings. Moreover, in vivo imaging will allow us to follow structural remodelling of dendrites as induced interneurons integrate into pre-existing cortical circuitry. By using in vivo calcium imaging in primary visual cortex, we will examine whether induced interneurons become recruited into sensory information processing circuits. Finally, we will scrutinise induced interneurons for their ability to rescue excitation-to-inhibition balance in a mouse model of endogenous interneuron dysfunction. IMAGINE will thus break new ground towards unveiling the full potential of engineered neurogenesis for brain repair.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.
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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.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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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
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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
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-ADG
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WC2R 2LS London
United Kingdom
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