Project description
Two-photon system for neuronal circuits research in non-human primates
The revolution in optogenetics began with light-sensitive microbial opsins, which enable precise control of neuronal activity. The Emiliani Lab in Paris introduced circuit optogenetics, using holography and two-photon excitation to stimulate individual cells with millisecond precision. This approach enables the detailed mapping and manipulation of neuronal circuits in both head-fixed and freely moving mice. The ERC-funded 2P-MINOPS project aims to develop a compact and integrated two-photon endoscope that uses recent advancements in miniaturised light sources, modulators and detectors. By enabling wireless optical access to neural circuits in freely moving non-human primates, this platform expands the ability to investigate higher-order cognitive and behavioural processes in species that more closely resemble humans.
Objective
The revolution in optogenetics began with the discovery of light-sensitive microbial opsins and their use to control neuronal activity with cell-type specificity, allowing for the first time functional mapping of the brain with cell type specificity. However, the wide-field illumination traditionally used in optogenetics synchronously activates large populations of neurons, lacking the precision needed to reproduce the complex, natural firing patterns of neural circuits. To overcome this limitation, Emiliani’s lab developed “circuit optogenetics,” combining computer-generated holography, temporal focusing, and two-photon excitation to achieve optogenetic control of circuits with millisecond-scale spatiotemporal precision, targeting single cells in depth. These methods have enabled unprecedentedly precise mapping and manipulation of neuronal circuits in mice, both head-fixed and freely moving. Building on advances from the HOLOVIS project—notably increased targeting capacity with ultra-fast sequential holographic targeting (FLiT), deeper brain layer access with three-photon (3P) holography, and performing circuit optogenetics in freely moving mice using two-photon holographic endoscopy—the current goal is to extend this precision to non-human primates. The project aims to develop 2P-MINOPS, an integrated and miniaturized two-photon system leveraging recent advances in miniaturized sources, modulators, and detectors. This platform will enable wireless optical study and manipulation of brain circuits in freely moving primates, paving the way for novel research into complex brain functions in models closer to humans.
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.
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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)
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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-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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-2025-POC
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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.
75794 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.