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All-optical deconstruction of thalamic control of sleep-wake states.

Objective

While the functions of sleep are still a matter of debate and may include memory consolidation, brain clearance, anabolism and plasticity, the neural substrates of sleep and wake states are the subject of intense study. Successive sleep-wake cycles rely on an appropriate balance between sleep-promoting nuclei of the brain located in the anterior hypothalamus and, arousal-promoting nuclei from the posterior hypothalamus and the brainstem. My laboratory identified different subsets of hypothalamic cells that controls wakefulness and rapid-eye movement (also called paradoxical) sleep using optogenetics in combination with high-density electrophysiology in freely-behaving mice. We further identified their connections with (and functional modulation of) other sleep-wake circuits throughout the brain. Although we and others have dissected important subcortical and cortical sleep-wake circuits in the brain, the precise mechanism bridging sub-cortical circuits to thalamic and cortical networks remains unclear.

I hypothesizes that the thalamus represents a hub that integrates sleep-wake inputs of both subcortical and cortical origin into stable sleep-wake states, through topographically distinct sub-cortical inputs and temporally precise circuit dynamics (spiking pattern, coherence).

To test this hypothesis, my experimental objectives are divided into three specific aims:
1) Identify the simultaneous cellular dynamics of thalamo-cortical network activity across sleep-wake states (Observational approach; Year 1-3)
2) Characterize the subcortical modulation of thalamic structures across sleep-wake states (Perturbational approach; Year 2-4)
3) Study the role of TRN/CMT circuits in sleep homeostasis and consciousness
(Functional approach; Year 4-5)

Completion of this project will provide a mechanistic perspective on sub-cortical, thalamo-cortical and cortical control of sleep-wake states, sleep homeostasis and consciousness in the mammalian brain.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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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) ERC-2016-COG

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Host institution

UNIVERSITAET BERN
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.

€ 1 915 000,00
Address
HOCHSCHULSTRASSE 6
3012 BERN
Switzerland

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Region
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Espace Mittelland Bern / Berne
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
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.

€ 1 915 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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