Objective
The long-term objective of my lab is the construction of “synthetic” neural networks from biological matter. In this way, we not only will understand how to build sustainable computing architectures but also provide a novel bottom-up approach towards understanding biological neural networks. To make progress in this direction, I ask: What is the minimal assembly of biological components that allows for bio-realistic electrical information processing? Clearly, voltage-sensitive ion channels form the molecular basis for electrical spiking activity in neuronal networks. However, spatial propagation of spikes is not a property inherent to individual ion channels but rather emerges from the arrangement of ion channels along a tubular lipid membrane, the axon. While the reconstitution of functional ion channels outside of living cells has been well established, the propagation of an action potential along a lipid bilayer nanotube has not yet been shown. Similarly, the physical realization of larger, non-living spiking networks using biological matter remains elusive. Here, I propose to move forward from the state-of-the-art by a) Studying action potentials propagating along lipid nanotubes and demonstrating their electrical cable and spiking characteristics b) Understanding the coupling between membrane elasticity and electrical characteristics and how electromechanical coupling remodels and reshapes membranes and nanotube networks. c) Exploiting these remodeling, reshaping, and self-healing abilities for biomimetic molecular mechanisms of information processing. This research is a challenge of enormous complexity. In this proposal, I argue that this challenge can be overcome using recent methodological advances. My preliminary data and my research experience combing electrical engineering, biophysics and synthetic biology will enable this leap in our understanding and design of biological neural networks.
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 biophysics
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence computational intelligence
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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.1.1 - 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-2024-STG
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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.
24118 Kiel
Germany
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.