Objective Neural networks process sensory inputs into outputs that guide behavioral responses. The computations that take place can be complex, suggesting intricate circuit architecture. While we are starting to unravel the circuit components of a specific neural computation, the extraction of visual motion cues, we realize that the circuits are more complex than anticipated. Here, we aim to reveal the full microcircuitry of behaviorally relevant motion-detecting pathways with complex physiological properties. To understand the network implementation of a critical computation, we are studying motion detection in Drosophila. A hallmark is the extraction of direction-selective (DS) signals, which is achieved by spatiotemporal correlations of inputs. Neurons that are sufficient to set up DS signals have been identified, but are often not behaviorally necessary, suggesting redundant circuits at minimum. We have isolated a core visual pathway that is required for behavioral responses to motion cues, but displays physiological properties that are not in line with current models of motion detection. Recent data also show that DS neurons have complex receptive fields. Further, single neuronal inputs feed into both ON and OFF pathways, which later converge to control the behavioral output. What are the microcircuits that shape such receptive fields? And how do individual neurons, or individual synaptic connections contribute to one specific pathway and what is their specific computational role? We will dissect how complex receptive field properties and behavior are shaped by individual neurons. Further, we will develop a new tool to conditionally inactivate specific synaptic connection, Flp-TEV. This will allow to determine how individual synapses contribute to distinct downstream circuit properties, and behavior. We are thus proposing to map the circuit architecture of a behaviorally relevant visual pathway and understand how complex microcircuits perform relevant computation Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligencecomputational intelligence Keywords visual system circuitry subcellular microcircuit dissection motion vision Drosophila synapse Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2016-STG - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2016-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Coordinator JOHANNES GUTENBERG-UNIVERSITAT MAINZ Net EU contribution € 1 196 163,64 Address Saarstrasse 21 55122 Mainz Germany See on map Region Rheinland-Pfalz Rheinhessen-Pfalz Mainz, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments 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 (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all JOHANNES GUTENBERG-UNIVERSITAT MAINZ Germany Net EU contribution € 1 196 163,64 Address Saarstrasse 21 55122 Mainz See on map Region Rheinland-Pfalz Rheinhessen-Pfalz Mainz, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments 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 UNIVERSITAETSMEDIZIN GOETTINGEN - GEORG-AUGUST-UNIVERSITAET GOETTINGEN - STIFTUNG OEFFENTLICHEN RECHTS Participation ended Germany Net EU contribution € 301 548,36 Address Robert-koch-strasse 40 37075 Goettingen See on map Region Niedersachsen Braunschweig Göttingen Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments 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
