Project description DEENESFRITPL Fine-tuning of the neuronal synaptic plasticity The process of memory encoding is based on brain plasticity. Neurons form synaptic contacts with other nerve cells upon stimulation. The connections between neurons and neuronal communication efficiency define information encoding and storage. The efficiency of synaptic transmission depends on the release of neurotransmitters by the stimulated neuron, leading to the activation of specific receptors on the connected neuron. Receptors and associated scaffolds form receptosomes, where different adaptor proteins provide fine-tuning of the speed and specificity of the signalling. The ERC-funded VERTICAL CITY project will focus on understanding how receptors function and the composition and dynamics of receptosomes, with the objective of providing the opportunity to specifically target therapeutically relevant signalling pathways. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Receptors and associated scaffolds, together called receptosome, are relatively stable structures, but exchange of individual adaptor proteins can occur on a short time scale and in a highly regulated manner, which provides fine-tuning, speed, and specificity to the receptor signaling. Therefore, understanding how receptor function is affected by the composition and dynamics of complexes is an essential biological concern that will offer the opportunity to target exclusively the therapeutically relevant signaling pathway of a given receptor. We propose that in the brain, receptosome dynamics is involved in fine-tuning synaptic transmission and plasticity, which might be crucial for cognitive functions.First, we will establish the link between molecular events, neuronal signaling and memory performance. More than correlations, this project proposes live recording of molecular events and cellular signaling during memory encoding. Second, new specific therapeutic targets will be proposed for the treatment of cognitive deficiencies: instead of interfering with the ligand-biding pocket of the receptor, we propose to target specific scaffold interactions. This strategy will only modify a specific altered function of a receptor without modifying other functions (thus, avoiding undesired side effects). Third, within the scope of this proposal, we will develop innovative, powerful techniques that will be of high interest for a broad community of researchers in life sciences. These technologies will enable to monitor the versatility of protein-protein interactions in space and time ranging from in cellulo to in vivo BRET imaging in freely behaving animals. To conclude, we will establish the functional significance of oligomer remodeling in the physiological synaptic plasticity and try to restore it in neurological disorders. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologycognitive neurosciencenatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-CoG-2014 - ERC Consolidator Grant Call for proposal ERC-2014-CoG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant Coordinator CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS Net EU contribution € 1 964 199,00 Address Rue michel ange 3 75794 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS France Net EU contribution € 1 964 199,00 Address Rue michel ange 3 75794 Paris See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
