Project description
What makes human synapses unique
The human brain’s extraordinary abilities (thinking, learning, adapting) rely on synapses, the tiny contact points between neurons. While synapses are broadly similar across mammals, studies suggest they are regulated differently in humans, helping to shape the extended brain development and complex behaviours that define our species. In this context, the ERC-funded synMODIFIERS project explores how uniquely human genetic innovations influence synapse formation, maturation, and plasticity. It also studies how this may relate to neurodevelopmental disorders. Using advanced mouse and human models, combined with molecular, electrophysiological, and omics approaches, the project aims to uncover the distinct biology of human synapses. The goal is to better understand how our brains develop.
Objective
The function of the brain relies on an intricate network of neurons connected by synapses that enable us to feel, think, learn, act, communicate and adapt our behavior to the ever-changing world. Although the molecular composition and organization of synapses are overall conserved across mammals, a large body of evidence indicates that synapses are differentially regulated in humans. This specialization of human synapses is at the heart of what makes us human. It contributes to the increase in connectivity that characterizes the human neocortex. It also extends the period of synaptic maturation during which cognitive and social experiences sculpt developing cortical circuits and many neurodevelopmental disorders manifest. In this project, we will test the hypothesis that human-specific genetic innovations enhance the role of the environment in the development of synapses in cortical circuits and impact the pathophysiology of neurodisorders. Building on recent advances in our understanding of the human genome, we will determine how human-specific genetic innovations modify the cell biology of synapses, from synaptic connectivity and maturation to synaptic plasticity and pathological dysfunctions. We will combine cutting-edge mouse and human models compatible with investigation of synapse cell biology in integrated circuits together with a multidisciplinary approach based on in vivo molecular manipulations, electrophysiology, microscopy and omics technologies. This will allow us to gain a comprehensive understanding of fundamental mechanisms and illuminate species differences between mouse and human at the synapse and in neurodisorders, in a way not previously possible and with broad implications for the development of therapeutic strategies.
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.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology pathophysiology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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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)
- molecular and cellular neurobiology
- synapse
- synaptogenesis
- synaptic plasticity
- dendritic spines
- trans-synaptic interactions
- atypical neurotransmitter receptors
- synaptic organizers
- protein synthesis
- translation
- neuronal morphogenesis
- axonal development
- assembly of cortical circuits
- human-specific genes
- human brain evolution
- neurodevelopmental disorders
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-COG
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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.
75654 PARIS
France
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.