Objective
The proper coupling between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons is essential for synaptic signalling. Synapse formation, maturation, and maintenance are controlled by cell adhesion systems that recruit and organise the synaptic protein machinery. One such system comprises presynaptic neurexins and postsynaptic neuroligins. Of the five known neuroligins, neuroligin 1 is specific for excitatory synapses, while neuroligin 2 is specific for inhibitory synapses and Neuroligin 3 is found on both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. The synaptic localisation of neuroligins 4 and 5 is unknown.
The neuroligin/neurexin system is critically involved in the accumulation of scaffold and receptor proteins at postsynapses. However, the mechanisms by which this protein recruitment proceeds are still largely unknown. Loss of neuroligins and dysfunction of the neuroligin/neurexin system are associated with synaptic defects in vitro and in vivo, and mutations in neuroligin 3 or 4 cause monogenic forms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in humans. Correspondingly, neuroligin 4 deficient mice show social interaction and communication deficits that are reminiscent of ASD.
In this study, I will employ a wide spectrum of genetic, biochemical, cell biological, and electrophysiological methods in combination with mice lacking one or multiple neuroligins to (1) identify novel neuroligin interactors, to (2) characterise functional interactions and redundancies among neuroligins and other adhesion proteins with regard to synapse formation, function, and plasticity, and to (3) generate a conditional knock-in mouse for neuroligin 4 and study the autistic phenotype and behavioural responses in the mature brain. These studies will aid in elucidating the function of the neuroligin/neurexin system in the normal brain as well as in synaptopathic conditions, such as ASD, in which the function of the neuroligin/neurexin system is perturbed.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
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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-2010-IEF
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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.
Coordinator
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
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.