Periodic Reporting for period 2 - EU-GliaPhD (Training, Research and Raising of Public Awareness in Cell Biology and Pathology of Neuroglia)
Período documentado: 2018-12-01 hasta 2021-06-30
The EU-GliaPhD ITN network will address three scientific and eight training objectives:
(1) Identifying communication pathways between neurons and glia, analysis of the dysregulated brain using epilepsy as a central paradigm, and developing better research instrumentation and therapeutic targets.
(2) Advanced training in modern life science methodology, understanding of animal and disease models, skilled use of (in vivo) electrophysiological and imaging techniques, insights into product development of health and research industry, training in data analysis and statistical evaluation, modern supervision
and mentoring for fair leadership skills, awareness of intellectual property rights, and outreach activities for dissemination and communication to lay audiences.
One type of the prime glial cells of the brain, the astrocytes form extensive networks with intercellular communication channels and, most importantly, modulate neurotransmission in adjacent neuronal microcircuits. Since astrocytes display particular electrophysiological properties, we developed specialized amplifiers to acquire intracellular recordings. In addition to astrocytes, the adult mouse cortex contains distinct types of interneurons that signal to astrocytes via the main inhibitory transmitter GABA and induce either depressing or potentiating Ca2+ signals to trigger graded astrocyte responses. Partners of the network discovered that limiting this GABAergic neuron to astrocyte communication can reduce epileptic activity in mice. Furthermore, the network has discovered and published crucial evidence on the involvement of inflammation, oxidative stress and iron metabolism in epileptogenesis. Great progress was also made in revealing that focal, non-convulsive seizures do transiently activate glial cells but do not contribute to permanent brain damage. The consortium also discovered new leads for therapeutic targets and a well-known class of drugs as potential novel therapeutic avenue for absence seizures.
In July 2019, the ESRs successfully organized the first special trainee symposium at the XIV European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease in Porto, where they presented their recent scientific advances to the glia community.
The largest impact of the training consortium, however, was the education of early stage researchers enthusiastically starting their career. These young scientists will strengthen the European research area by their dedication to individual projects, but also by their commitment for international collaboration and open communication to the public.
Figure: In brains with epileptic seizures, the close cooperation of neurons and adjacent glial cells is impaired. Identifying the underlying molecular mechanisms will help to develop novel options for better therapies.