Objective
Motor learning is a fundamental process enabling an organism to improve movement efficiency during a motor task. It is supported by motor cortex, which organizes movements into complex sequences. Yet, how this structure is informed of planned and generated actions is poorly understood. Anatomically, motor cortex is highly interconnected with the motor thalamus (Mthal). Interestingly, this structure is involved during the acquisition of different motor tasks, but also shows homologous roles in motor function to brainstem areas. In line with these observations, we hypothesize that pathways between the brainstem to Mthal represent an interesting and unexplored way for motor information to reach cortical areas during motor learning.
This project aims at exploring the anatomical organization and functional importance of brainstem-Mthal pathways in motor learning and transmission to the cortex. It will first explore the bidirectional synaptic organization of these pathways according to neuronal subpopulation identity using mouse genetics and viral tools for anatomy. In a second step, it will explore the hypothesis of a specific role of the different brainstem-Mthal pathways in motor learning, including dexterous vs sequential motor learning tasks. The involvement of the observed pathways in these tasks will be explored with in-vivo calcium imaging. This will allow us to determine whether changes in neuronal activity of brainstem-Mthal projection neurons are correlated with ongoing motor behavior and with which phases. Finally, these results will be probed for functionality by direct manipulation of these circuits in behaving mice. To this end, opto- and pharmacogenetic tools will be used in combination with viral technology to target and manipulate the characterized neuronal networks in mice performing motor learning tasks. Together, the results obtained through this project will lead to a better understanding of circuits involved in motor program execution and learning.
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.
- engineering and technology materials engineering fibers
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics
- medical and health sciences basic medicine anatomy and morphology
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkaline earth metals
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2016
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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.
4056 BASEL
Switzerland
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.