Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS
Content archived on 2024-06-18

Optical real-time imaging of inhibitory GABAA receptors activity using chimeric GABA channel subunit

Objective

In mammalian brain the main inhibitory drive is determined by GABAergic synaptic transmission. Released from presynaptic terminals GABA activate postsynaptic Cl-selective GABAA receptors, which results in hyperpolarization of cells and inhibition of neuronal network. Dysfunction of GABAA receptors may lead to a number of pathologies, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders and schizophrenia. The main approach for functional analysis of GABAA receptors is represented by electrophysiological methods. An alternative approach would be to use non-invasive fluorescent analysis of GABAA receptors activation, which requires creation of new probes. We propose to design genetically encoded Cl-sensitive sensors capable to monitor activation of Cl-selective GABAA receptors. We will develop the probe “BioSensor-GABAR”: a chimeric GABAA receptor subunit with Cl-Sensor inserted to cytoplasmic domain. Development of “GABAR-Sensors” would allow us (i) to monitor activation of the GABAA receptors (ii) to estimate [Cl-]i in the local areas in close vicinity of the GABAA receptor clusters and (iii) to visualize GABAergic synaptic networks during different patterns of neuronal activity.
Given the diverse roles of GABAergic signaling in the brain including; hyperpolarisation, decreasing excitability, shunting inhibition, tonic inhibition, disinhibition, and modulation of oscillatory activity it is not clear a priori what the effects of the change in GABAA receptor activity will be on a particular neuronal network. Creation of BioSensor-GABAR will make an important step to the understanding of the physiology of inhibitory neurons and neuronal networks functioning. Results to be obtained in this project will shed light on the functional role of particular classes of GABAergic interneurons. These data will have important clinical implications as they provide an assay for fast screening of neuroleptics and other modulators of GABAergic neurotransmission.

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.

You need to log in or register to use this function

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.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF
See other projects for this call

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.

MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)

Coordinator

UNIVERSITE D'AIX MARSEILLE
EU contribution
€ 269 096,40
Address
BOULEVARD CHARLES LIVON 58 LE PHARO
13284 Marseille
France

See on map

Region
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Bouches-du-Rhône
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

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.

No data
My booklet 0 0