Objective
Our long-term goal is to understand the role of cellular and molecular processes in mediating memory formation. Toward that end, we are employing fear conditioning which is an especially useful behavioural paradigm for studying the molecular basis of long-term memory. The prevailing hypothesis is that learning and memory depend on signalling molecules that affect synaptic efficacy.
The specific aim of this proposal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the role of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in various cellular processes underlying fear memory formation in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA), a brain area mediating fear conditioning. MLCK has been shown to be intimately involved in synaptic transmission and structural plasticity, events believed to underlie long-term memory formation. Although MLCK is involved in such central neuronal functions, its role in memory formation is not well understood.
In this proposal we will address several questions, as follows:
- Is MLCK involved in fear memory formation and extinction?
- How does MLCK regulate synaptic plasticity in LA in brain circuits involved in fear conditioning?
- What signalling pathways regulate MLCK activity in LA during fear conditioning?
- Does MLCK regulate dendritic spine structural changes in LA of fear-conditioned animals?
Toward answering such questions, we intend to use a combination of behavioural, electrophysiological, molecular and anatomical techniques. Our preliminary results show that MLCK activity in LA regulates fear memory acquisition and synaptic plasticity in the auditory thalamus-LA pathway involved in fear conditioning.
Since MLCK is essential for central neuronal processes, we expect that our research program will provide further insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of learning and memory. The proposed studies could also contribute to the understanding of fear-related disorders and to the development of therapeutic drugs.
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.
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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.
FP6-2004-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.
Coordinator
HAIFA
Israel
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.