Objective
Understanding how neurons represent and transform information and perform the computations required to generate complex behaviours is a core aim of neuroscience. Although this knowledge is of fundamental importance and is a prerequisite for understanding many neuronal disorders, the way in which individual neurons process information is poorly understood. This reflects the technical difficulty of measuring rapid synaptic signalling in fine dendritic structures distributed in 3D space. Moreover, defining the transformation between inputs and output firing is complex due to the large number of input combinations involved. To overcome these problems I have recently developed two powerful new tools. A high speed 3D 2-photon acousto-optic lens (AOL) microscope that enables high speed (30 kHz) 3D optical functional imaging with submicron resolution. I will use AOL microscopy with uncaging, electrophysiological and optogenetic approaches to study synaptic integration in cerebellar granule cells, cortical pyramidal cells and fast-spiking interneurons. Comparison of synaptic integration and neuronal computation in these neurons, which include simple and complex morphologies and excitatory and inhibitory cell types, will allow mechanisms to be investigated and principles identified. By measuring [Ca2+] and voltage at many locations within 3D dendritic trees, I will map the spatiotemporal properties of synaptic input in 3D and locate and count regenerative events. By applying AOL microscopy, in vitro and in vivo I will elucidate mechanisms and test how information is processed by neurons during sensory input. I have also developed neuroConstruct, a software tool for modelling neurons and large-scale networks in 3D with a high degree of biological detail. By using in vitro and in vivo data to constrain models we will bridge the gap in our understanding between synaptic and neuronal mechanisms and the input-output transformations that morphologically complex neurons perform.
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 computer and information sciences software
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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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.
ERC-2011-ADG_20110310
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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.
Host institution
WC1E 6BT LONDON
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.