Objective
Neurons in the brain integrate information from thousands of synaptic inputs into a single axonal output. Yet, we understand little of how synaptic integration influences cognitive processes, including learning and memory.
Recently, I found that deletion from forebrain neurons of HCN1 channels, which are important for synaptic integration, enhances spatial memory, suggesting that HCN1 channels may constrain memory processes. This raises a fundamental question: Is the primary function of HCN channels to constrain memory, or does expression of HCN1 channels confer some behavioural advantage at the expense of memory?
The experiments that I now propose to address this question use behavioural pradigms based on spontaneous novelty recognition in an open arena and on rewarded identification of a goal location in a radial maze. Initial experiments will use mice with forebrain-restricted deletion of HCN1 channels. Later experiments will focus on the paradigm that reveals the most profound phenotype and will investigate more localized manipulations of forebrain areas, using viruses to knock-down or turn off expression of HCN1 channels in restricted populations of neurons.
By enabling dissociation of the influence of HCN1 channels on different components of information processing underlying memory storage and recall, the proposed project will develop new principles for understanding the roles of HCN1 channels and synaptic integration in episodic memory. This may suggest new experimental strategies to investigate common psychiatric and neurological disorders that are increasingly recognized to involve disruptions to the integration of information, for example schizophrenia, autism and epilepsy.
The proposed project will contribute to European re-integration by enabling me on my return to Europe to carry out high-quality research exploring the molecular basis of memory and by assisting me in developing an internationally competitive research programme.
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.
- social sciences psychology cognitive psychology mental processes
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology cognitive neuroscience
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine psychiatry schizophrenia
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science data processing
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-12
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.
IRG - Marie Curie actions-International re-integration grants
Coordinator
EDINBURGH
United Kingdom
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.