Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

A novel theory of human cortical microcircuit function: Dedicated neuronal networks for fast cellular and synaptic computation

Objective

How human neuronal circuits are organized to produce human cognition is poorly understood. We recently showed (Nature, 2021) that human neocortex contains neuron types not found in other mammals. My preliminary data show that large, human-specialized transcriptomically-defined cell types (t-types) have surprisingly fast processing of synaptic input to action potential output properties. Other human t-types show much slower input-output properties more akin to average mammalian neurons. These fast human-specialized t-types are selectively vulnerable in prevalent human brain disorders with cognitive decline. Mechanisms of fast input-output processing are unknown. We also do not know whether fast-processing neuron t-types form preferential synaptic networks dedicated to fast cortical processing, increasing cortical computational power to support human cognition. Here, I will test this novel concept addressing four fundamental questions: What mechanisms drive fast cellular input-output properties? What mechanisms underlie non-linear dendritic processing of synaptic input? How is coupling between distal dendritic synapses and soma controlled? Do human neuron t-types with fast input-output properties form preferential synaptic networks? These questions can only now be answered with our recent transcriptomic, morpho-electric Patch-seq analysis of adult human neuron t-types. Combined with dendritic and multi-patch recordings, molecular interventions, photonic approaches, and computational modeling, I will provide an unprecedented quantitative understanding of fast cellular computation mechanisms in human cortex supporting human cognition. First preliminary data suggest that biophysical properties of human-specialized neuron t-types and synapses are distinct. Understanding human cortical organization of fast input-output neurons provides a novel framework to understand how selective loss of neuron t-types in human brain disorders gives rise to cognitive decline.

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.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

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.

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.

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.

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.

(opens in new window) ERC-2022-ADG

See all projects funded under this call

Host institution

STICHTING VU
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 2 500 000,00
Address
DE BOELELAAN 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam
Netherlands

See on map

Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 2 500 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)

My booklet 0 0