Project description
Sonogenetic brain-machine interface for neurological dysfunction
Brain-machine interfaces typically use multi-electrode arrays, but these systems have limitations. The expression of mechanosensitive proteins in neurons has recently enabled the activation of these neurons by ultrasounds at high frequencies, a technique named sonogenetics. A recent study successfully activated cortical neurons in vivo in rodents using ultrasound with high spatiotemporal resolution at low intensity. The ERC-funded NeuroSonoGene project aims to develop a sonogenetic strategy for activating and inhibiting neuronal networks in brains using ultrasound waves. The project will optimise monogenetic actuators, design technologies for patterned ultrasound stimulation, and demonstrate the efficacy of the approach in controlling the primate visual cortex. The ultimate goal is to create a brain-machine interface for studying neural circuit function and for applications in neurology such as visual restoration.
Objective
Brain-machine interfaces are classically based on multi-electrode arrays. Optogenetics has revolutionized this ability to control neuronal activity through ectopic opsin expression but its application to large brains remains limited because of tissue light absorption and scattering. Ultrasound waves have been proposed for remote neuromodulation, but this approach has remained restricted to low-frequency excitation, to prevent brain tissue overheating, at the expense of spatial resolution. The expression of mechanosensitive proteins in neurons has recently made it possible to achieve the ultrasound (US) activation of neurons at high US frequencies, an approach named “sonogenetic”.
Using the MscL mechanosensitive ionic channel, we recently provided a first proof of concept in rodents that cortical neurons can be activated in vivo by ultrasounds at a high spatiotemporal resolution and low intensity. Here, we propose to develop an integrated sonogenetic strategy for distant activation/inhibition of neuronal networks by ultrasound waves in large primate brains. The project includes: 1) optimizing and diversifying the sonogenetics actuators for safe neuronal control 2) designing technologies for patterned ultrasound stimulations, 3) demonstrating efficacy and high spatiotemporal resolution of the sonogenetic approach in controlling the primate visual cortex. This project is based on a unique synergistic combination of expertise, with a synthetic biologist in ion channel engineering, a neurobiologist with expertise in vision, and a physicist with expertise in ultrasound technologies. These 3 PIs will be supported by an expert in AAV vector mediated delivery. The project outcomes will be a novel brain-machine interface for investigating neural circuit function even deep within large brains through contactless sonogenetics. This sonogenetic technology will open new avenues for treating neurological dysfunction such as restoring vision in blind patients.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences physical sciences acoustics ultrasound
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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)
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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)
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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
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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-SYG - HORIZON ERC Synergy Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-SyG
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75654 PARIS
France
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