Objective
Depression is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects 1 in 7 people worldwide. Despite coordinated efforts from researchers and clinicians alike, the neurobiological substrates of depression remain largely unknown. As a result, therapeutic options against depression are inadequate.
Using a valid preclinical model, I recently demonstrated that depression alters the molecular composition of astrocytes and the organization of extracellular matrix (ECM), an assembly of molecules that are primarily synthesized and released by astrocytes. This results in disrupted information relay in the hippocampus and in cognitive impairment, both commonly seen in depressed patients. Thus, my work suggests a role of astrocytic (dys)function in the depressive state.
In the proposed project, I aim to unravel the contribution of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of depression. First, I will address how the depressive state affects astrocyte proteome, morphology and function. Second, I will address the role of astrocytes and astrocyte-derived ECM in the manifestation of depression at the molecular, cellular and the behavioural level.
To reach my goals, I will make use of genetically engineered mice that allow for visualization, metabolic labeling and targeting of astrocytes. These mice will be subjected to social defeat to induce a chronic depressive state. I will study astrocyte morphology, physiology and proteome alterations in depressed mice vs. controls. After establishing astrocyte-specific changes, I will employ i) viral vector-assisted silencing of the expression of astrocytic genes contributing to the ECM and ii) designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs)-assisted modulation of astrocyte activity. I will then assess whether these interventions can ameliorate the depressive state. With this integrative approach I aim to uncover novel molecular pathways mediating the depressive state and to identify new targets for the treatment of depression.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine psychiatry
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology pathophysiology
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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-2017
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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.
53127 BONN
Germany
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.