Objective
Sexual behavior is fundamental for evolution and an important component of human well-being. Ejaculation is a critical mechanism in male sexual function, which is hypothesized to be controlled by a neural circuit known as the 'spinal ejaculation generator' (SEG), located in the lumbar spinal cord. The SEG has also been hypothesized to control the post-ejaculatory refractory period, a phase of sexual satiety, through ascending projections to the brain. However, the mechanisms by which the SEG controls ejaculation and the refractory remain elusive.
We will tackle this problem first by using anatomical tracing to find the spinal neurons that provide input to the ejaculatory muscles and immunochemistry to characterize their molecular identity. We will use this information to provide specific genetic access to SEG neurons. By expressing fluorescent probes in these neurons, we will be able to obtain targeted electrophysiological recordings and use them to characterize the intrinsic and synaptic properties of the SEG circuitry in vivo. By expressing genetically encoded calcium indicators, which provide fluorescence probes of activity, we will monitor the activity of the SEG during sexual behaviour. Finally, by expressing and optically stimulating excitatory and inhibitory opsins in SEG neurons or their terminals, we will test their causal role in triggering both ejaculation and the post-ejaculatory refractory period. This project will provide the first mechanistic description of the key neural circuitry controlling male ejaculation and the refractory period, with potential implications for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.
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.
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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.
1400-038 LISBOA
Portugal
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.