Objective
The neocortex decodes sensory information from the external world. Cortical circuits are organized in columns, each tuned to one specific sensory stimulus. A growing body of evidences suggests that the neocortex also participates to learning. In associative learning, a sensory stimulus that is initially neutral to a mouse, like the deflection of a whisker, acquires the emotional value of another sensory stimulus, like a foot shock, when the two are presented together. After conditioning, the mouse freezes at the deflection of that whisker alone. This form of learning correlates with changes in the barrel cortex, the region that contains the somatotopic representation of whiskers: more neurons become responsive to the conditioned whisker, regardless of their column. The emphasis on the representation of a learned stimulus could let the animal know what signal to “look for” in order to adopt rapidly the appropriate behavior next time it occurs. The paradigms inducing a conditioned behavior and the consequences for the sensory maps in the brain have been well described. Still, the specific cortical circuits involved in this phenomenon remain largely unknown. The cortical connections in the barrel cortex are segregated into two pathways, lemniscal and paralemniscal. Their distinct properties suggest they have different roles in associative learning. The recent optical technology laser scanning photostimulation permits studying the detailed diagram of functional neuronal circuits in brain slices. I will combine this approach with behavioral training to unveil the mechanisms of associative learning. I will identify the connections that are changed after conditioning and describe their plasticity mechanisms. I will also compare the ontogeny of cortical circuits with that of associative learning in “normal” animals as well as in animal models for mental retardation. This approach will bring important insights into the relationships between neuronal circuits and behavior.
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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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.
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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG
See other projects for this call
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
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.