Project description
Understanding the role of brain extracellular space
How much do we know about the interplay between the brain extracellular space (ECS) and neuronal activity? The EU-funded SynECS project will boost our understanding by revealing the biophysical characteristics of the ECS around synapses during neuronal activity. SynECS uses an innovative optical nanoimaging method based on the movement of single-wall carbon nanotubes in the intricate maze of the ECS channels. These nanotools can resolve morphological and rheological details at the nanoscale, giving unprecedented details of the ECS around synapses. SynECS is a key project to underpin the activity of brain circuits in both physiological and pathological conditions.
Objective
The extracellular space (ECS) is a complex network of biomolecules that constitutes a key microenvironment for cellular communication, homeostasis, and clearance of toxic metabolites. In the brain, signalling molecules, neuromodulators, and nutrients transit via the ECS, therefore mediating the communication between cells. To date, understanding the role of the ECS in modulating neuronal communication represents a knowledge frontier in brain research. This limit has conceptual and methodological roots: the complex 3-D dynamical organization of the ECS and the current lack of dedicated relevant investigation tools. The aim of this project is to combine several innovative nanotechnological approaches to reveal the morphological and rheological properties of the brain extracellular space around synapses during neuronal communication processes. To decrypt the intimate interplay between ECS and synapses in neuronal communication, this Action proposes to use innovative optical nanoimaging and nanostimulation methodologies based on nano-probes (single-wall carbon nanotubes, SWCNTs, and gold nanorods, Au NRs). Au NRs will be used to stimulate individual neurons in hippocampal cultured organotypic slices, while SWCNTs will image and unveil the rheological characteristics of the ECS around synapses. The outcomes of this project will bring us a step closer to fully understand chemical-based neural communication and synaptic connectivity.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF-EF-RI - RI – Reintegration panelCoordinator
75794 Paris
France