Project description
The role of astrocytes in reward processing
The brain’s reward system, a crucial component of motivation and behaviour, remains only partially understood, especially regarding the cellular mechanisms involved. While dopamine has long been considered the primary player, recent research suggests that astrocytes, traditionally seen as supporting cells, may play a significant role in reward processing. These cells have been shown to influence reward signalling, yet their precise functions and interactions with dopamine are largely unexplored. Bridging this gap could have profound implications for understanding decision-making, motivation, and even addiction. In this context, the ERC-funded ASTROCYTES-REWARD project will examine how these cells interact with dopamine and how they influence neuronal activity, this groundbreaking research will offer new insights into the brain’s reward mechanisms.
Objective
Astrocytes are currently investigated in a range of questions extending far beyond their traditional 'housekeeping' functions. We have contributed to expanding the horizon of functions attributable to astrocytes, and have recently identified a novel and unexpected role for hippocampal astrocytes in signaling the location of reward.
This pioneering ERC project, will drive considerable progress in an important and completely unknown facet of reward-related information processing: the roles of hippocampal astrocytes in signaling reward, and their interaction with dopamine, the main player in the reward system. In Aim 1 we will define the role of hippocampal astrocytes in the perception of reward. We will test whether astrocytes can encode the presences of reward irrespective of its location, based on non-spatial (auditory) cues. By simultaneously imaging both astrocytes and neurons, we will delineate the spatio-temporal interplay between them in reward representation, and examine the projection-specific effect of astrocytes in rewarded behavior. Work on Aim 2 will delineate the effects of the dopaminergic system on astrocytes. We will comprehensively analyse the distribution of dopamine receptors on astrocytes and the astrocytic response to tonic vs. phasic dopaminergic signals. We will also perform simultaneous imaging of dopamine levels and astrocyte Ca2+ dynamics in different behavioral states. Aim 3 will determine how astrocytes mediate the effects of the dopaminergic system. We will do that by manipulating astrocytic activity measure pre-synaptic dopamine axonal release in the hippocampus and its influence on the poorly understood phenomenon of over-representation of reward locations by neuronal place cells.
Our published work and our new (unpublished) results generate the conceptual basis for this proposal and demonstrate its technical feasibility. Achieving our goals will provide fundamental insights into the roles of astrocytes in information processing.
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.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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-2022-COG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
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.
91904 JERUSALEM
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.