Project description
Elucidating the structural and functional interconnectivity of the cortex and cerebellum
Scientists have made substantial progress in elucidating the structural and functional organisation of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. While evidence suggests these regions are distinct yet interconnected computational entities, the functional significance of cortico-cerebellar interactions remains poorly understood. The ERC-funded CODI-MAP project investigates the hypothesis that extensive convergent and divergent cortico-cerebellar connectivity is critical for integrated function. The project will apply advanced methodologies, including combinatorial viral-genetic tracing, multi-regional electrophysiological and optical recording techniques, and computational modelling. This project aims to comprehensively reveal the detailed reciprocal anatomical and molecular architecture of cortico-cerebellar circuits, elucidate their dynamic interactions during goal-directed voluntary forelimb movements and clarify their role in sensorimotor learning.
Objective
The CODI-MAP aims to address a fundamental question: How do the cerebral cortex and cerebellum cooperate to generate and regulate movements? Despite their pivotal contribution to motor control, the complex nature of cortico-cerebellar interaction remains a mystery. Our recent work has demonstrated a significant interdependency between the cortical and cerebellar activities, however the precise architecture and computational strategy that cortico-cerebellar circuits employ to generate and maintain task specific information is unknown.
Here, I propose to comprehensively address the detailed reciprocal connectivity of the cortico-cerebellar circuits, their functional interaction during goal directed voluntary movements, as well as their contribution to sensorimotor learning. Our central hypothesis is that the cortico-cerebellar circuits form complex networks characterized by both extensive convergence and divergence. This configuration provides a spectrum of task-related functional modules for sensorimotor control and learning. By engaging specific functional modules, the cortico-cerebellar networks achieve the required spatiotemporal precision for directing movements. We will first systematically dissect the anatomical and molecular features of the cortico-cerebellar pathways using a suite of sophisticated combinatorial viral-genetic strategies. Next, we will identify and manipulate the functional circuits that control forelimb movements using novel multi-regional electrophysiological and optical methods. Finally, we will combine in silico simulation with dual-regional optical recording and manipulation to uncover the plastic changes within cortico-cerebellar circuits during learning.
The outcome of this project has the potential to challenge the conventional perspective that considers cortex and cerebellum as distinct computational entities, proposing a multi-regional integrative circuitry, thereby unveiling fundamental principles of how the brain generates action.
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)
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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
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
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-COG
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3015 GD Rotterdam
Netherlands
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