Objective
The refinement of neuronal circuits requires both a stabilization of existing synaptic connections and a disassembly of previously functional synapses. While the mechanisms of synapse formation have been extensively studied, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the stabilization of synaptic connections. Any inappropriate loss of synaptic stability will lead to disruptions of neuronal circuits and finally to neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, the identification of the molecular mechanisms that regulate synapse stability versus disassembly may help to understand how synaptic circuits are modified in response to signaling events and may provide useful insights towards our understanding of neurodegenerative disease. I am combining the advantages of Drosophila genetics, cell biology and physiology with a high-resolution assay for synapse retraction to identify and characterize genes involved in synapse formation, stability and disassembly. My postdoctoral work has highlighted the importance of a presynaptic cytoskeletal network that links cell adhesion molecules to the underlying actin and microtubule cytoskeleton to achieve normal synapse formation and stability. Here I propose to define the signaling systems that control the assembly and stability of the presynaptic network during synapse formation and maintenance. In the first aim I will focus on the adaptor molecule Ankyrin2 that has the potential to directly link synaptic cell adhesion molecules to the presynaptic microtubule cytoskeleton. The second aim addresses how actin dynamics contribute to normal synapse formation and stability. Finally, I will use forward genetic approaches to identify novel molecules required for synaptic stability. Together these projects will provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate synapse stability in response to intrinsic and extrinsic signaling systems within neuronal circuits.
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 genetics
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- 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.
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
4058 BASEL
Switzerland
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.