Project description
Insight in the role of axon myelination in the hippocampus
Storage and retrieval of memories occur in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for learning and memory. Since these processes rely on the precise transmission of information, the EU-funded MyeSync project is interested in studying the role of axon myelination in memory consolidation and cognitive performance. Axon myelination involves the wrapping of neuronal axons with myelin which insulates them and ensures the fast transmission of electrical pulses. Researchers will undertake a multidisciplinary approach to investigate how biophysical changes in small neuronal compartments may alter neuronal networks and ultimately dictate behaviour.
Objective
The hippocampus located in the temporal lobe of the brain is of fundamental importance for storage and retrieval of episodic memories. Such brain computations take place at a time scale of milliseconds or less, and rely on neuronal information transfer over subcellular structures which are called axons. Neuronal precision and speed can be achieved by wrapping axons with multi-lamellar membrane sheets of myelin and is of critical importance for proper brain function. Until recently, myelination was thought to be exclusive to long-range excitatory neuronal projections. This view has been drastically revised, and it is now commonly accepted that myelination can be abundant around the axons of local inhibitory interneurons as well. Parvalbumin positive basket cells (PV+ BCs) are fast spiking interneurons which are prominent in the hippocampus where they contribute to the synchrony of action potentials of large populations of neurons. They function as clockworks that drive network oscillations such as sharp wave ripples, are critical for memory consolidation, and are highly abundant in hippocampal area CA2. Whether myelination of the CA2 PV+ BC axon plays a role in their temporally precise inhibitory function, and whether this supports temporally precise neuronal encoding and cognitive performance remains obscure. In this Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship, I will address this question by combining my expertise in subcellular patch-clamp methods with the expertise of the host on Ca2+ imaging, myelin physiology, and in vivo electrophysiology. The proposed multimethod and multidisciplinary study will be unique in showing how biophysical changes in small neuronal compartments will lead to alterations of neuronal networks and ultimately to behavioral alterations of the organism. The fellowship is expected to provide me with transferable skills and high throughput techniques that will greatly improve my chances to become an influential leader in the field of neuroscience.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
1011 JV AMSTERDAM
Netherlands