Objective
To convey sensory touch inputs, neurons must have the ability to sense and translate mechanical stimuli into electrical signals. This process, known as mechanosensation, relies on the proper structuring and development of neuronal dendritic trees (arborization). There is growing evidence supporting the required role of environmental cues in determining the definitive morphology of dendritic trees. In turn, arborization is expected to result from both intrinsic neuronal differentiation as well as extrinsic contributions from the external environment. However, there is little understanding of how mechanosensory signals regulate the morphological arborization process, and conversely how the morphology of dendritic trees affects mechanosensation. Yet, defects in neuronal development and mechanosensory function can contribute to neuro-developmental disorders such as Down’s syndrome and autism. In the present proposal, we aim at deepening our quantitative understanding of the influence of touch-based sensory input in determining dendritic patterns during development. The proposed work is built around three pillars of research using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We will implement (i) live imaging techniques of mechanosensory touch neurons in whole organisms, (ii) statistical models using machine learning to quantify the structure and patterns of neuronal trees, and (iii) behavioral assays of C. elegans to characterize the influence of extrinsic sensory inputs on motility phenotypes. This latter step will rely heavily on engineering fluidics and quantitative visualization techniques. It is anticipated that an integral characterization of the coupling between mechanosensory input and dendritic arborization will pave the way towards a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and potential treatment strategies.
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 neurobiology
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics statistics and probability
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning
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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-2011-CIG
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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.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
32000 Haifa
Israel
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.