Objective
Neuronal remodeling is a conserved strategy to refine neural circuits during development. Defects in remodeling have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, but direct mechanistic causality is lacking. Despite its fundamental significance, how remodeling of neuronal processes affects circuit architecture and function, and how this ultimately shapes behavior, is not only unknown, but also extremely challenging to study in complex organisms. Our lab is a world-leader in the molecular mechanisms of neuronal remodeling. We use the stereotypic remodeling of the Drosophila Mushroom Body (MB), a complex circuit within the fly brain, as powerful genetic model to study this question. Recently, we uncovered that MB remodeling is coordinated at the circuit level. Furthermore, we generated a detailed expression atlas of MB neurons during development, which highlighted genes and pathways mediating cell-cell interactions as prime remodeling regulators. Thus, our discoveries suggest that the time is ripe to take on the challenge of integrating the molecular, cellular, circuit and behavioral aspects of remodeling. The MB is a perfect system for this due to its well-characterized structure and function. To accomplish this goal, we will build upon our developmental expression atlas to identify molecules that mediate cell-cell interactions during remodeling (Obj 1). We will then investigate how specific genetic/cellular perturbations of remodeling impact overall circuit architecture and connectivity (Obj 2). Finally, taking a new direction for the lab, we will use behavioral readouts of MB function to understand how specific genetic perturbations of remodeling and connectivity affect circuit function and behavior (Obj 3). While each objective is independent and expected to yield high-impact discoveries by itself, it is their combined implementation that is expected to provide the first holistic picture of neuronal remodeling from molecules to cells, circuits and function.
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-ADG
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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.
7610001 Rehovot
Israel
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.