Objective
Directed behavior emerges from neural integration of sensory stimuli, memory of prior experience and
internal states. We seek an understanding of these conserved neural mechanisms using genetically-encoded
tools and the relatively small brain of the fruit fly Drosophila. By temporally controlling neural function
memories can be implanted and internal states altered so that most flies behave according to our direction.
Our recent studies have revealed a role for distinct subsets of dopaminergic neurons that innervate a brain
region called the mushroom bodies in reward learning, memory re-evaluation and the control of motivated
behavior. Although it is recognised that new gene expression is required to form persistent memories, and
molecules are the targets of all therapeutic drugs in medicine, the relevant cellular sites of action often
remain obscure. Knowing where memories are located in the fly brain therefore makes it possible to gain
molecular level insight, with a unique perspective of being embedded within a relevant cell-specific context,
of how a brain operates to alter behavior in response to rewards and internal state. Until recently, most
studies of gene expression in the brain have pooled messenger RNAs purified from the entire brain, dissected
regions, or small populations of fluorescently labeled material. Cell-specific expression and responses are
therefore obscured by averaging signals from, often heterogeneous, collections of cells and cell-types. We
will use cutting-edge Drop-seq, which permits simultaneous collection of transcriptomes from thousands of
individually identified cells by first capturing each cell with a unique oligonucleotide-coated bead in a
nanolitre volume reaction droplet. Our experiments will therefore provide an unprecedented individual celllevel
view of transcriptional responses to memory formation and maintenance and are likely to be of broad
importance and interest, given the evident conservation of gene function.
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
- natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology molecular genetics
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology molecular neuroscience
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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-ADG - Advanced 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-2017-ADG
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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.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
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.