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Dopaminergic neurons and the reward system in fish: a functional neuroanatomical multidisciplinary study

Objective

The current proposal aims at elucidating the role of the dopaminergic (DA) system in regulation and control of reward systems. The study of DA regulation is of great importance since it has been known to regulate reward, as well as other vital neurological functions and several neuropsychological illnesses, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. With the emerging technologies of in vivo imaging, optogenetics and transgenic techniques, it is today possible to better study the molecular mechanisms underlying reward behaviour. To this end, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an excellent model system where these tools are amenable for complex network analyses. It is believed that, as in mammals, DA neurons provide a central role in signal and response to salient stimuli. Therefore in this project we plan to 1. Establish which forebrain DA neuronal populations, brain targets and signalling molecules are active during reward conditions and
2. Establish a causal relationship between these areas and the control of reward-motivated behaviour in fish. We will conduct this research by pinpointing DA neuron populations active during reward situations and their target areas by in vivo calcium imaging analysis and corroborating established focus brain networks by quantifying c-Fos and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression by means of in situ hybridization (WP1). Thereafter, we will elucidate target molecules that are important during reward processing in established networks, by laser microdissection and a targeted and non-targeted approach, i.e. qPCR and RNA sequencing, respectively (WP2). Finally we will demonstrate causality between focus brain networks and reward oriented behaviour by optical and genetical regulation, i.e. optogenetics, of neural population activity (WP3). Extrapolating information obtained from these results could help predict neurobiological principles that could be the basis for therapeutic interventions.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

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Coordinator

GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 185 857,20
Address
VASAPARKEN
405 30 Goeteborg
Sweden

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Region
Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 185 857,20
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