Experience-dependent modifications of developing neural circuits and animal behaviours

Project Information

ZEBRAFISH PLASTICITY

Grant agreement ID: 239512

Project closed

Start date 15 June 2009

End date 14 June 2013

Funded under

• Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Total cost € 100 000,00

EU contribution € 100 000,00

Coordinated by

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE
France

Objective

"During development, neuronal connectivity is initially established by genetically determined intrinsic factors, e.g. molecular cues and spontaneous activity, generating networks according to a ""best guess"" strategy. However, with the appearance of sensory organs, external inputs will refine these connections, allowing adaptation to the environment. In the Xenopus developing visual system, repetitive moving visual stimuli induce long lasting changes in the direction-sensitivity of some tectal neurons, apparently via modification of synaptic strength. However, it is still unknown how this synaptic plasticity contributes to the refinement of neural circuits for precise information processing and adjustment of animal’s behaviours. Using a multidisciplinary approach combining cutting-edge genetic engineering methods to monitor and manipulate activity of specific neurons or entire circuits, development of novel mathematical and computational methods and kinematic analyses of motor behaviours, I will investigate how sensory visual experience may affect the activity and interaction of the optic tectum neuronal circuit and motor behaviour. These experiments will contribute to our understanding of the role of sensory experience in shaping the development of neural circuits and animal behaviour. They will also shed light into the mechanisms by which the nervous system self wires, adapts, and learns. The study of these mechanisms might contribute to the design of new therapeutic treatments for developmental disorders associated with impaired nerve connections."

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › neurobiology
• medical and health sciences › medical biotechnology › genetic engineering
• natural sciences › computer and information sciences › computational science
• natural sciences › biological sciences › biological behavioural sciences › ethology
• natural sciences › computer and information sciences › data science › data processing

Programme(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008 - Marie Curie Action: "International Reintegration Grants"

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

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

Coordinator

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE

• EU contribution: € 100 000,00
• Address: RUE DE TOLBIAC 101 ; 75654 Paris ; France
• Region: Ile-de-France › Ile-de-France › Paris
• Activity type: Research Organisations
• Administrative Contact: Marie-Pascale Martel (Ms.)
• Total cost: No data