Project description DEENESFRITPL Unlocking the mechanism behind serious brain diseases Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter in the brain, closely tied to memory formation. It is also linked to serious neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Therefore, it is considered vitally important to monitor glutamate levels in great detail. The EU-funded F4TGLUT project aims to develop a groundbreaking and highly sensitive method for monitoring glutamate levels at a cellular level in the human brain. The goal is to help better explain the underlying mechanisms behind serious brain diseases and common mental conditions affecting people globally. The project should shed more light on glutamate neurotransmission and how drugs and diet can affect it. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Glutamate is the primary activating neurotransmitter in the brain. It modulates synaptic plasticity of neurons, which underlies memory formation. However, it also plays a fundamental role in pathological processes, such as those related to Alzheimer’s disease. This essential role and future development of therapeutic agents urge the development of a highly-sensitive analytical method for determining glutamate levels at a cellular level. In this project I will create a miniaturized, in vitro system that will allow this. To develop it, my expertise in microfluidics and pharmacy will be supplemented by the host’s extensive experience with cell analysis and nanoelectrodes.When glutamate-type neurons in the brain are innervated, glutamate release into the synapse between adjacent neurons occurs. This triggers chemical signal transmission. Nanoelectrodes are uniquely equipped to monitor this neurotransmitter release with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. The combination with microfluidics will allow control of fluids and experiments at the nanoliter scale. Furthermore, through precisely fabricated microstructures, guidance of cell growth and precise placement of the nanoelectrodes in the device will be achieved.Glutamate modulates synaptic plasticity, a phenomenon understood to underlie memory formation. Furthermore, dietary compounds and drugs can influence glutamate neurotransmission. The proposed system enables selective exposure of individual neurons cultured in the microfluidic device to such compounds. Using the integrated nanoelectrodes, direct monitoring of their effects on chemical signaling between cells will be possible. The results will significantly contribute to our understanding of glutamate neurotransmission, and how drugs and diet can influence it. Additionally, the system combines cell culture, selective exposure and analyses at the cellular level using sensors and imaging, making it an ideal platform for future drug development research. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug discoverynatural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidicsmedical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutritionengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors Keywords Glutamate neurons nanoelectrodes microfluidics zinc lipids memory Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2018 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2018 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET Net EU contribution € 191 852,16 Address VASAPARKEN 405 30 Goeteborg Sweden See on map Region Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 191 852,16