Objective Interactions between neurons and glial cells underlie the normal development, structure and function of the nervous system. Perturbation of this communication occurs during injury, in acquired or hereditary neuropathic diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems, and with ageing. However, the specific nature and the physiological significance of neuron-glia interactions remain largely unknown. We propose here the use of a microfluidic co-culture platform to characterize and investigate the role of non-synaptic responses of glial cells following stimulation of neuronal activity. In particular, we will co-culture neurons and glial cells of the peripheral nervous system, and monitor glia-specific changes at the transcriptome- and the secretome-levels, after manipulation of the electrical activity of neurons. We will subsequently interfere with the identified signaling pathways, and study effects on neuronal structure and function. Following this in vitro approach, we expect to identify potential mediators of the axon-glia communication and decipher their role in maintaining the nervous system integrity and function. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidics Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator UNIVERSITE DE LAUSANNE Address Quartier unil-centre bâtiment unicentre 1015 Lausanne Switzerland See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Vaud Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Roman Chrast (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
