Objective
Cognition and memory result from communication between specific populations of neurons in our brains. In the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC), representations of location that are crucial for spatial cognition and memory are generated by neurons called grid cells. The rate at which these neurons fire action potentials can be decoded into fields that for
m a hexagonal grid spanning the environment. In addition to the action potential rate, the information about spatial location is also encoded by the timing of action potentials relative to the phase of local theta frequency oscillations in network activity. The action potential rate and timing codes require synaptic input from a subcortical structure called the medial septum and diagonal band complex (MS-DB). Yet, we know very little about how projections from the MS-DB influence neurons in the MEC. I propose to establish principles whereby a major subtype of MS-DB neurons, which express the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, influence activity of neurons in the MEC. I will combine optogenetic tools, to selectively activate GABAergic inputs from the MS-DB, with state of the art in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological recordings to identify and characterize their targets in the MEC. My approach will include the use of a new multi electrode array recording method that I will transfer to Europe, which will allow me to identify targets of MS-DB GABAergic neurons by simultaneously sampling large populations of neurons in the MEC. During my PhD I was the first to publish this method, which is currently not utilized in Europe. The proposal will advance the understanding of cellular and circuit mechanisms for spatial cognition and memory. It will also contribute to identification of design principles for biologically based computational devices for navigational control systems and new approaches to treating disorders such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and schizophrenia in which the MEC is implicated.
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.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology epilepsy
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering control systems
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology dementia alzheimer
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine psychiatry schizophrenia
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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-2013-IIF
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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.
Coordinator
EH8 9YL 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.