Objective
Forward genetics has led to major advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanism of the circadian clock but there is no comparable understanding of the interval timing mechanism, which enables us to estimate durations and intervals between events. This is unfortunate because the ability to anticipate recurring events is essential for an orgranism’s survival. In this project, we propose an investigation of the neurobiological processes underlying interval timing using two approaches. First, we will use a reverse genetics approach to investigate the role of synaptic plasticity in timing. There is increasing evidence that interval timing involves dopamine modulation of cortico-striatal loops. However, no studies have tested whether synaptic plasticity is necessary for this process. We will address this question by testing mice with whole-brain or area-restricted mutations of the CaMKII gene on a timing task. CaMKII is required for plasticity in many areas of the brain, thus the mutation should interfere with temporal estimation if plasticity is involved in this process. Our second strategy follows a forward genetics approach, similar to the one pioneered by Seymour Benzer when he revealed the molecular machinery of the circadian clock. In our case, we will incorporate a timing task in the battery of automated screens used by NeuroBsik, a consortium, of which the Host is a member, engaged in large-scale phenotyping of mutant mice. These mice have random but easily identifiable mutations. This will allow us to discover new genes that are involved in interval timing.
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.
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
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
3015 GD Rotterdam
Netherlands
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.