Obiettivo Neuronal networks are tuned to optimally represent external and internal milieu through neuronal plasticity during critical periods of juvenile life. After the closure of the critical periods, plasticity is considered to be much more limited. In a series of landmark studies, we have shown that critical period-like plasticity can be reactivated in the adult mammalian brain by pharmacological treatment with the antidepressant fluoxetine. These ground-breaking studies establish a new principle, induced juvenile-like plasticity (iPlasticity) and define a new class of drugs, iPlastic drugs. For optimal results, iPlastic drug must be combined with physical or psychological rehabilitation, which guide the plastic networks and together allow better adaptation towards changing environment. iPlasticity may facilitate functional recovery after brain injury and underlie the enhanced efficacy of combined antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy.We have uncovered iPlasticity as an exciting new concept and established experimental models to study the molecular, cellular and network level mechanisms underlying it. We will here focus on the role of neurotrophin BDNF, because our previous and unpublished work clearly shows that BDNF and its receptors TrkB and p75 are essential and sufficient for iPlasticity. We have found that a major developmental reorganization in TrkB signalling takes place coinciding with the end of critical periods, and its reversal may underlie iPlasticity. We will utilize our resources as a leading lab in BDNF effects in adult brain and through novel controlled transgenic models, genomics and proteomics, we will reveal the role of BDNF signalling through TrkB and p75 in brain maturation, iPlasticity and brain disorders. Understanding the neurobiological background of iPlasticity will be vital for iPlastic drug development and the numerous translational applications of iPlasticity clearly in sight. Campo scientifico medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug discoverynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicssocial sciencespsychologypsychotherapymedical and health sciencesclinical medicinephysiotherapy Programma(i) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Argomento(i) ERC-AG-LS5 - ERC Advanced Grant - Neurosciences and neural disorders Invito a presentare proposte ERC-2012-ADG_20120314 Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Istituzione ospitante HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO Contributo UE € 2 500 000,00 Indirizzo YLIOPISTONKATU 3 00014 Helsingin Yliopisto Finlandia Mostra sulla mappa Regione Manner-Suomi Helsinki-Uusimaa Helsinki-Uusimaa Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Ricercatore principale Eero Castrén (Prof.) Contatto amministrativo Päivi Kleemola (Ms.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato Beneficiari (1) Classifica in ordine alfabetico Classifica per Contributo UE Espandi tutto Riduci tutto HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO Finlandia Contributo UE € 2 500 000,00 Indirizzo YLIOPISTONKATU 3 00014 Helsingin Yliopisto Mostra sulla mappa Regione Manner-Suomi Helsinki-Uusimaa Helsinki-Uusimaa Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Ricercatore principale Eero Castrén (Prof.) Contatto amministrativo Päivi Kleemola (Ms.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato