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Content archived on 2024-06-18

The role of the voltage-gated potassium channels and their modulators in mechanisms of plasticity underlying learning and memory in Drosophila

Objective

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel are neuronal and allow the temporal encoding of information as spike trains in neural circuits. It is therefore important to investigate how each Kv channel is able to do this so that we can better understand how brains work and generate plastic behaviour. In addition genetic diseases (channelopathies) associated with epilepsy, migraine and dementia have been linked to specific mutations in Kv channels. Fundamental research into channels is essential because nearly a third of new therapeutic interventions target channels. Part of the reason for this is the diversity of channel types allowing a large number of targets each with relatively restricted expression and specific control of a particular excitable process. Modulation of Kv channels offers the opportunity to control conditions involving circuit level defects in excitability such as epilepsy, migraine, dementia and depression. Not surprisingly drugs of abuse target channels, therefore this research is hoped to give mechanistic insight into addiction. I wish to determine the role of Kv channels and modulators in mechanisms of plasticity underlying learning in the model system Drosophila. I will address this by genetically removing candidate Kv channels and determining the effect on learning and memory, which is thought to involve modulation of Kv channels. Any behavioural change will be correlated with changes in electrophysiological properties of the appropriate neuronal circuit. Genetic rescue will be used to confirm the role of a given Kv channel in learning and the correlated physiological parameter proposed to be varied by the channel. Changes in neuronal morphology of Kv channel mutant neurons will also be made. Experiments will be performed to determine which signaling molecules modulate Kv channels during learning. These studies may facilitate the future design of therapeutic interventions targeted to specific Kv channel subtypes to alleviate memory deficits.

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Keywords

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG
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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.

MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG)

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
EU contribution
€ 100 000,00
Address
BEACON HOUSE QUEENS ROAD
BS8 1QU BRISTOL
United Kingdom

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Region
South West (England) Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area Bristol, City of
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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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.

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