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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Nano-Scale Organization Dynamics and Functions of Synapses: from single molecule tracking to the physiopathology of excitatory synaptic transmission

Objective

Synapses are arguably the most elaborate signaling machine of cells. This complex intercellular junction is specialized for rapid (millisecond) directional signaling. In addition, synapses change in response to patterns of neural activity and these changes can endure, modifying neuronal circuitry. These competing properties of persistence and plasticity must be encoded by the precise content and arrangement of molecules that comprise the presynaptic and postsynaptic specializations. The objective of this project is to uncover the internal organization and dynamics of the postsynaptic specialization at excitatory glutamatergic synapses of the mammalian brain at an unprecedented nano-scale resolution. For this aim, neurobiologists, physicists and chemists join forces in a team with proven track record of collaboration. We will combine cellular and molecular neurobiology approaches with development of novel optical technologies, biosensors and combined quantitative light and electron microscopic imaging techniques. This will provide a new level of analysis to the fundamental problem of molecular information storage. Photothermal imaging of nano-gold particles will allow unprecedented quantitative histochemistry and tracking of protein trafficking up to the level of intact tissue. Development of Cryo-Photoactivated Light Microscopy will allow the correlative localization of synaptic elements at the light and electron-microscopic level. Novel biosensors and chemical tools will be developed for the investigation of the dynamic macromolecular events underlying synaptic plasticity. We will identify new mechanisms that control fast synaptic transmission and its long term activity dependent modification. We will unravel how fast receptor diffusion controls frequency dependent synaptic transmission and how regulation of receptor trafficking participates in synaptic plasticity.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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)

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.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

ERC-2008-AdG
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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.

ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant

Host institution

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
EU contribution
€ 3 100 000,00
Address
RUE MICHEL ANGE 3
75794 PARIS
France

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Hauts-de-Seine
Activity type
Research Organisations
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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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Beneficiaries (1)

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