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ASTROcytes in CIRCuits: Unraveling their contribution in healthy and diseased brain circuits.

Objective

In 2021, an estimated 3.4 billion people—about 43% of the world’s population—were living with a neurological condition, underscoring the need for new strategies to understand and treat brain disorders. Decades of predominantly neuron-centric research have not delivered the breakthroughs required to reduce their growing global burden.

AstroCirc proposes a shift toward a more complete view of brain circuitry by integrating the roles of astrocytes—the most abundant non-neuronal cells, essential for brain homeostasis and circuit dynamics. By leveraging astrocyte function, AstroCirc aims to uncover novel disease mechanisms and develop astrocyte-based, disease-modifying therapeutic strategies, expanding the options available to tackle neurological diseases.

AstroCirc will train 15 doctoral candidates (DCs) in astrocyte–neuron interactions and neural circuitry, building on the project’s cross-disciplinary and intersectoral framework. DCs will be mentored by leading experts in glial biology and will access advanced methodologies and unique model systems across the consortium.

Their research will span multiple levels of brain organization: from synaptic function as the basic unit of circuits (WP1), to circuit integration within brain networks (WP2), and finally to the development of astrocyte-informed interventions for a broad variety of neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders (WP3).

AstroCirc’s impact will be reflected in DCs equipped with strong technical and transferable skills, positioning them for successful careers beyond the project. Ultimately, AstroCirc will foster a new generation of researchers who drive and advocate for glia-centered approaches within European research and innovation.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01

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Coordinator

I3S - INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACAO E INOVACAO EM SAUDE DA UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 558 890,64
Address
RUA ALFREDO ALLEN 208
4200-135 Porto
Portugal

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Region
Continente Norte Área Metropolitana do Porto
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

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.

No data

Participants (11)

Partners (15)