Objective
Brain function critically depends on how neurons communicate with each others at specialized contact sites, the synapses. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are key synaptic proteins that provide the molecular framework for organizing structural and functional aspects of synaptic connections. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. We do not know how CAMs dynamically regulate synaptic strength in response to trans-synaptic interactions and how alterations in the function of some CAMs lead to neurodevelopmental disorders.
We will investigate how the CAMs integrins, present on the postsynaptic side of excitatory synapses, control synaptic efficacy by regulating the properties of glutamate receptors in response to extracellular ligand binding, and how autism-related abnormalities in mice arise from dysfunctions in synaptic integrins. To this end, we will use a multidisciplinary approach to investigate brain function at the molecular, synaptic and behavioral level: we will employ STORM microscopy to examine the physiological relevance of integrin interactions for the submicroscopic organization of synapses, we will use integrin KO mice and viral injections to manipulate expression and activity of integrins in specific neurons, we will investigate synaptic function by electrophysiology in ex vivo brain slices and we will perform behavioral studies in live animals. Findings at all levels will be tightly correlated to understand how alterations in the nonlinear relationship between molecules, synapses and networks translate into behavioral impairments.
The applicant has an internationally recognized broad expertise in synaptic physiology and cell adhesion, acquired while at UCL (UK) in the laboratory of Dr. Goda, who has now relocated her research group to RIKEN (Japan). A successful integration of the applicant in IIT (Italy) will contribute to retain in Europe unique scientific knowledge and create lasting scientific collaborative networks.
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
- social sciences psychology behavioural psychology
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology
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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-2012-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
16163 Genova
Italy
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.