Objective
Brain function relies on neurotransmission at synapses, where local increases in calcium trigger the fusion of synaptic vesicles and release of their neurotransmitters. Decades of research yielded detailed knowledge on synaptic vesicles and the individual proteins that mediate neurotransmission. Conversely, we know surprisingly little about the synaptic contribution of the largest organelle in neurons: the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). Aberrant alterations in ER shape are, however, associated with many neurologic disorders, highlighting the importance of understanding the role this organelle plays in the neuron. Taking into consideration the mere quantity and range of specialized ER functions such as calcium signalling and lipid synthesis, the neuronal ER has received very little attention. I therefore strive to shed light on the major, unresolved questions of the field, namely what the ER protein composition is in synapses and how the ER contributes to important neuronal functions such as neurotransmission.
To dissect ER function in neurons I will first characterize the composition of neuronal ER proteins and identify the key players that regulate ER degradation. Second, I will manipulate ER content, localization and degradation to understand how the ER contributes to neurotransmission and development. Finally, I will investigate the importance of ER and ER degradation for physiological and pathophysiological processes in vivo. To this end, I propose a multidisciplinary approach using advanced imaging techniques, endogenous protein tagging and proteomics to study ER function and its regulated degradation in neurons. These studies will yield innovative fundamental insights into the role of synaptic ER and thereby fill a crucial knowledge gap in neuroscience. Furthermore, they will provide a better understanding and explanation of how defects in ER and ER degradation cause neurodegenerative diseases.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkaline earth metals
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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.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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-2021-STG
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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.
6525 XZ Nijmegen
Netherlands
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.