Objective
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons play a central role in the coordination of movement, neuroendocrine function, attention, cognition, emotion, memory and reward. In addition, the DA system has been extensively studied because its dysfunction is linked to various pathological conditions including Parkinson's disease. The extraordinary complexity of the mammalian brain has limited our ability to dissect the regulatory machinery involved in DA differentiation.
However, the many fundamental similarities between the mammalian and invertebrate nervous system, together with the simplicity of C. elegans, make this species an ideal model for forward genetic mutant analysis. As in mammals, very little is still known about DA differentiation in worms. Loss of function of Unc-8 6 transcription factor leads to increased numbers of DA neurons, suggesting a role for Unc-86 as a DA fate repressor.
The study of Unc-86 mutants would allow us to increase our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms involved in DA differentiation. In this project I will characterize the extent to which Unc-86 inhibits DA fate, that is, if Unc-86 works as a global DA fate repressor in all DA lineages. I will also characterize if Unc-86 acts as a repressor or an activator of other transcription factors. Finally, I will perform a genetic screening to identify new genes that cooperate with Unc-86 to repress DA fate.
As we begin to understand the function of specific genes in DA differentiation, we may be able to formulate hypotheses about their significance as candidates associated to dopamine-related mental disorders. This knowledge should also become the basis to design new and more efficient strategies to manipulate dopamine neurons in PD therapies.
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
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine psychiatry
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology neurodegenerative diseases parkinson
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
FP6-2005-MOBILITY-6
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.
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.
OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships
Coordinator
BARCELONA
Spain
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.