Objective
During the past decade a growing body of evidence has accumulated to indicate that glial cells, and in particular astrocytes, play active roles in the modulation of neuronal excitability and in the generation of neuronal synchrony. The consequences of astrocytes-to-neuron signalling pathway on neuronal network function in vivo are however unknown. In the proposed project I will use an inter-disciplinary approach to test the hypothesis that astrocytes, by releasing the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, modulate the neuronal network response to sensory stimuli in vivo.
Specifically by using a combination of two-photon microscopy and electrophysiology applied to layer 2/3 of the somatosensory cortex, I will determine whether sensory inputs applied through whisker movements activate glial Ca2+ signalling and whether activated astrocytes trigger glutamate release to synchronize group of cortical neurons. Furthermore, I will use a transgenic mouse model, in which glutamate release from astrocytes is reduced, t o determine the role of astrocytes in the modulation of sensory-evoked neuronal activity.
This fellowship experience will give me the opportunity to learn a variety of new techniques for the study of cell physiology in the intact nervous system, which I will combine with my previous electrophysiological research experience on in vitro and in situ preparations. This experience will complete my broad interdisciplinary training that will permit to seek my independent position in which I set up my own research laboratory.
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 neurobiology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology
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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.
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-6
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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.
OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships
Coordinator
Italy
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.