Objective
Spontaneous activity is a prominent feature of the immature brain. Even before birth and in absence of stimuli, neurons organize in networks and spontaneously generate correlated activity. While spontaneous dynamics in the cerebral cortex have long been overlooked and considered just as epiphenomena, recent clinical data on preterm infants and preclinical studies have spurred a renewed interest for this early electrical activity. However, appreciation of the role of spontaneous activity during the perinatal stages remains elusive. Indeed, it is still unknown how spontaneous patterns arise, and whether, among the large variety of neuronal classes generated in the cerebral cortex, distinct subtypes can act as pacemaker (Pm) neurons, able to trigger some of these events. Defects arising from alterations in the early cortical spontaneous activity have never been thus far systematically addressed, yet they can affect local assembly and physiological behavioural states.
The IMPACT project aims to shed light on how cortical neuronal diversity influences early spontaneous activity, and to identify the molecular features and functional role of developing Pm neurons. By integrating innovative molecular strategies with in vivo optical recordings and behavioural assays, I will 1) characterise and spatially resolve the subtype-specific molecular footprints correlated with electrical profiles of neuron subtypes, with a special focus on Pm neurons; 2) assess molecular, cellular and circuit consequences of perturbations in Pm neuron activity; 3) identify novel functional modulators of Pm activity in the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around birth. IMPACT bears the ambition of filling the knowledge gap between the molecular and functional traits of developing cortical neurons, while unveiling the existence and critical role of the Pm neurons. Discovering new molecular players and modulators of early activity will inspire novel intervention strategies for perinatal disorders.
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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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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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
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.
20072 PIEVE EMANUELE
Italy
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.