Objective
Autism is one of the most frequent cognitive disorders diagnosed in childhood. It affects more than 1 child in 1000, without any pharmacological treatment available to prevent or reduce their pain. Previous work of the applicant has already characterised several predisposition genes to this syndrome. Using classical human genetics approaches, an association between a gene coding an ionotropic glutamate receptor (GRIK2) and autism was identified. Moreover, two mutations in genes encoding neuroligins, NL GN3 and NLGN4, segregating in two independent families with autistic disorders, have been detected.
Neuroligins are cell adhesion molecules that may contribute to the induction of synapse formation between neurons. They are located at the postsynaptic membrane of glutamatergic synapses, where they interact with beta-neurexins to form a transsynaptic dimeric complex. Recent results strongly suggest that dysfunction of glutamatergic synapses may be linked to a predisposition to autism and that autism could be due to an abnormality of neural networks. The proposed project intends to modify the expression pattern of neuroligins in mice, in order to examine the physiological significance of such changes on neuronal network, focusing on the role of Nlgn3 and Nlgn4 in brain morphology, function and animal behaviour.
This approach will shed light on the role of neuroligins during synaptogenesis and will point to molecular mechanisms involved in autistic disorders. The Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine (Goettingen) is a high-quality research institution to carry out such a project. Undertaking this project in a leading European laboratory allows the applicant to consolidate existing research skills, learn new techniques and qualify him for an independent research career at the end of his training.
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 cell biology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences basic medicine medical genetics
- natural sciences biological sciences biological behavioural sciences ethology
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence computational intelligence
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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.
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.
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.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
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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.
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.
Coordinator
MUENCHEN
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.