Objective
Our remote memories, weeks to decades long, define who we are and how we experience the world, yet almost nothing is known about the neuronal ensembles encoding them, or the mechanisms underlying the transition from recent to remote memory.
I propose a novel hypothesis explaining the selection of the ensembles supporting remote memories based on their activity, connectivity and stability. I further suggest that 'systems consolidation', underlying the transition from recent to remote memory, is implemented by ongoing interactions between brain regions. Finally, I propose a novel role for astrocytes in recent and remote memory.
My Specific Objectives are to: 1) Provide multi-dimensional characterization of the neuronal ensembles supporting recent and remote memory, by using activity-based tagging to show how recent and remote recall ensembles differ in activity, connectivity and stability. 2) Perturb the functional connectivity underlying 'systems consolidation' by employing connectivity-based tagging to label specific hippocampal and cortical projection neurons, image their activity during recent and remote memory, and causally demonstrate their functional significance to systems consolidation. 3) Determine the role of astrocytes in recent and remote memory consolidation and retrieval. We will manipulate astrocytes to show their role in recent and remote memory, ensemble allocation, and long-distance communication between neuronal populations. We will image astrocytic activity during a memory task to test if they can independently encode memory features, and how their activity corresponds to that of the neurons around them.
This pioneering ERC project, comprised of innovative and ambitious experiments going far and beyond the state of the art in the field, will drive considerable progress to our contemporary understanding of the transition from recent to remote memory, identifying ensemble dynamics and critical projections and how they are modulated by astrocytes.
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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-STG - Starting Grant
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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-2018-STG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
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.
91904 JERUSALEM
Israel
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.