Objective
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been initially regarded as a growth factor, but a broader function is suggested by the observation that BDNF is anterogradly transported, released in an activity-dependent manner, and elicits rapid synaptic responses. The host laboratory has demonstrated that BDNF controls the expression of the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) that various pharmacological and neuro-anatomical data have suggested to be implicated in drug addiction, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Moreover, BDNF-dependent up-regulation of the D3R triggers behavioural sensitisation, a cardinal process in compulsive drug consumption in drug addicts, in dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease, and in psychotic symptoms exacerbation in schizophrenia.
The objective of this proposal is to define and characterize the functions of BDNF as an extra-cellular transmitter. For this, we will characterize BDNF-regulated genes, which, like the D3R gene, may be important for the three disorders, by exploiting data of using high-throughput transcriptome analysis with DNA micro-arrays and design a selective BDNF antagonist. We will also engineer transgenic mice over-expressing BDNF in selected neurons to mimic BDNF over-expression that we observed in animal models of drug addiction, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.
The major possible outcomes of this project are likely to enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of drug addiction, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia and provide new therapeutic approaches. For this scientific programme, an IRG is requested for reintegration in Europe of an experienced female researcher, initially trained in France, then for 6 years in the US, where she was nominated Research Assistant Professor and developed various experimental approaches needed for the project. She will head a small research unit including 2 students and 1 engineer.
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 genetics DNA
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology pathophysiology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA transcriptomes
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology parkinson
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine psychiatry schizophrenia
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
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.
FP6-2002-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
PARIS
France
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.