Objective This application addresses mechanisms linking the activity of single neurons with network events by defining the function of identified cell types in the cerebral cortex. The key hypotheses emerged from our experiments and propose that neurogliaform cells and axo-axonic cells achieve their function in the cortex through extreme forms of unspecificity and specificity, respectively. The project capitalizes on our discovery that neurogliaform cells reach GABAA and GABAB receptors on target cells through unitary volume transmission going beyond the classical theory which states that single cortical neurons act in or around synaptic junctions. We propose that the spatial unspecificity of neurotransmitter action leads to unprecedented functional capabilities for a single neuron simultaneously acting on neuronal, glial and vascular components of the surrounding area allowing neurogliaform cells to synchronize metabolic demand and supply in microcircuits. In contrast, axo-axonic cells represent extreme spatial specificity in the brain: terminals of axo-axonic cells exclusively target the axon initial segment of pyramidal neurons. Axo-axonic cells were considered as the most potent inhibitory neurons of the cortex. However, our experiments suggested that axo-axonic cells can be the most powerful excitatory neurons known to date by triggering complex network events. Our unprecedented recordings in the human cortex show that axo-axonic cells are crucial in activating functional assemblies which were implicated in higher order cognitive representations. We aim to define interactions between active cortical networks and axo-axonic cell triggered assemblies with an emphasis on mechanisms modulated by neurogliaform cells and commonly prescribed drugs. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologyengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationstelecommunications networksmobile network Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-LS5 - ERC Advanced Grant - Neurosciences and neural disorders Call for proposal ERC-2010-AdG_20100317 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Host institution SZEGEDI TUDOMANYEGYETEM EU contribution € 2 391 694,80 Address DUGONICS TER 13 6720 Szeged Hungary See on map Region Alföld és Észak Dél-Alföld Csongrád Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Gábor Tamás (Prof.) Administrative Contact Eszter Kocsis (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all SZEGEDI TUDOMANYEGYETEM Hungary EU contribution € 2 391 694,80 Address DUGONICS TER 13 6720 Szeged See on map Region Alföld és Észak Dél-Alföld Csongrád Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Gábor Tamás (Prof.) Administrative Contact Eszter Kocsis (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
