Project description
Studying neuronal mechanisms of behavioural choice
Behavioural choice plays a crucial role in an animal’s survival. However, the related fundamental neuronal mechanisms are not well understood because the circuits involve several brain regions. While the connectome structurally connects all potential circuits, it is insufficient to drive functional models. Recent developments in microscopy allow neuronal activity monitoring across entire brains. The EU-funded BICE project proposes a method to observe and identify neurons with significant activity standards by which the same sample goes through whole-brain functional imaging and subsequent electron microscopy imaging. To identify circuit mechanisms that promote one action while repressing others, the project will study the neuronal mechanisms of behavioural choice in Drosophila melanogaster larvae.
Objective
Behavioral choice is essential for an animal's survival, but the underlying neuronal mechanisms are poorly understood. A main obstacle is that the circuits involve many brain regions. Hence investigation necessitates the study of whole-brain connectivity and dynamics. Although the connectome structurally links all potential circuits, it is insufficient for constraining functional models and must be complemented by neuronal recordings during behavioral tasks. Furthermore to test models it is necessary to manipulate identified circuit elements. Recent advances in microscopy facilitate the acquisition of complete connectomes for small animals and support neuronal activity monitoring across entire brains. The challenge remains to directly combine these techniques in the same organism. We have developed a method for observing and identifying neurons with interesting activity patterns, whereby the same sample undergoes whole-brain functional imaging and subsequent electron microscopy imaging. We propose utilizing this approach to study the neuronal mechanisms of behavioral choice in Drosophila melanogaster larvae, an ideal model system for this work. We developed a paradigm to study the choice between one of five possible exclusive actions that occur in response to the same stimulus. The aim is to identify circuit mechanisms that promote one action while suppressing all others. Based on function, structure, and neurotransmitters, we will develop models for these competing circuit motifs. Specifically, we will correlate neuronal activity with each action and combine this information with connectomic data. We assume that the competing circuits interact by inhibition, which were described before in literature. These will be tested by genetic manipulation of specific circuit elements, which will alter the probability of certain behaviors. In conclusion, we combine functional and structural information in the same organism to study the neuronal mechanisms of behavioral choice.
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.
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
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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.1.3. - 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-EF-RI - RI – Reintegration panel
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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-2018
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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.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
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.