Objective
Efficient neuronal communication lies at the heart of all cognitive functions, and synaptic dysfunction underlies mental disorders such as autism. However, although over the past decades many components of synapses have been characterized, it is unknown how these constituents are assembled within synapses, and how this organization contributes to synapse function. The overall aim of this proposal is to understand how excitatory synapses are built to efficiently control neuronal function. Specifically, I aim to reveal the molecular organization that controls glutamate receptor positioning. While AMPA-type glutamate receptors concentrate in nano-domains within the synaptic core that directly apposes the presynaptic release site, metabotropic glutamate receptors accumulate in a distinct perisynaptic domain considerably further from the release site. Despite that this organization critically controls synaptic transmission and plasticity, we know little about the mechanisms that underlie the spatial and temporal segregation of glutamate receptor subtypes into these distinct subsynaptic domains. To address this, I developed single-molecule imaging tools, a powerful dimerization system to control receptor positioning, and physiological read-outs of synapse function.
In this proposal I will combine innovative experimental and computational approaches, integrating single-molecule imaging with optical and electrophysiological measurements of neuronal function to:
1) elucidate the organizational principles that underlie the nano-compartmentalization of glutamate receptors at synapses, and
2) understand how the spatial distribution of receptor subtypes contributes to neuronal functioning.
This project will reveal how nanoscale synapse organization contributes to neuronal circuit function, and will help understand how synaptic disruption contributes to neurological disease mechanisms.
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 neurobiology cognitive neuroscience
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine psychiatry
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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.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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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.
(opens in new window) ERC-2016-STG
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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.
3584 CS Utrecht
Netherlands
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.