Objective
In the brain, cells called astrocytes are as abundant as neurons, but are much less understood. Over the recent years, we have begun to appreciate how closely astrocytes support the development and function of synapses, the proposed substrate of memory. One emerging function of astrocytes is their direct involvement in learning and long-term memory. Indeed, astrocytic activity is affected in major brain disorders that affect memory, such as Alzheimers disease.
The overarching aim of this fellowship is to study how astrocyte-neuron coordinated activity relates to learning and memory.
I propose that astrocyte-neuron activity dynamics are shaped by learning over days to support memory formation.
To test this hypothesis, I will use state-of-the-art microscopy and genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, both available in the host laboratory, to record the activity of large numbers of neurons and astrocytes while mice are trained in a perceptual learning task over days. In this way, I will be able to see how neurons and astrocytes change their activity in response to learning. I will then manipulate the activity of astrocytes using clever genetic tools and light, while the mice are being trained, and monitor the effects of this manipulation on the activity of neurons and memory performance. This step will allow me to establish causal links between astrocyte activity and memory. Finally, I will use modern statistical learning techniques to explore the contribution of astrocytes and astrocyte-neuron interactions to the computational capacity of the brain.
This proposal capitalizes on my strong expertise in rodent behaviour and data analysis, my knowledge and strong interest on how experience shapes brain activity, and the established microscopy and genetic techniques in the host laboratory. Overall, this project will allow me to acquire new skills and knowledge in microscopy and astrocyte biology, and generate testable hypotheses for my future research.
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.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology dementia alzheimer
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01
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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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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.