Project description DEENESFRITPL The mechanism of information flow across the brain Neurons in the brain form neuronal assemblies, larger functional structures that communicate to deliver information flow and generate motor behaviour and cognitive function. However, the precise mechanism by which the information flows within brain neuronal assemblies remains elusive. The EU-funded BrainInformationFlow project will employ zebrafish larva as the experimental model for studying whole-brain dynamics. Researchers will employ optogenetics and microscopy to unveil the structure and organisation of brain connectivity. Emphasis will be given to the robustness of brain circuits and the compensatory mechanisms in case of interruption of information flow. Project results have the potential to disclose important knowledge on the pathological mechanisms underlying neurological diseases. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective How information is processed and flows through the brain to generate motor behaviours and cognitive functions is a paramount question in neurosciences. Donald Hebb proposed that individual neurons cooperate to form larger functional structures (neuronal assemblies) that communicate between them through phase sequences. Recent experiments support the existence of assemblies but how does the information flow between these neuronal assemblies, across the entire brain, remains elusive.I propose to use the zebrafish larva as the experimental model that in combination with optogenetics and light-sheet microscopy, enables monitoring whole-brain dynamics, with single-neuron resolution in an intact behaving vertebrate. Taking advantage of a multidisciplinary approach involving cutting-edge optical techniques, genetics, optogenetics, and mathematical methods from graph theory and statistical mutual information, I intend to shed light on basic principles underlying the flow of information across the entire brain. Specifically, I will study the following aims:* Description of the connectivity structure and organization across the whole brain.* Testing the existence of bottlenecks and surrogate connectivity between neuronal assemblies.* Network connectivity robustness: circuit and physiological compensations following flow of information interruption.In recent years, zebrafish became an important model for human diseases (e.g. Parkinson's, Rett's syndrome, or autism). Thus, my findings may contribute to the understanding of information flow anomalies associated with neurological disorders, and therefore open new doors for the design of novel treatments, still impossible to envision using more complex animal models. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologycognitive neurosciencenatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopynatural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsdiscrete mathematicsgraph theorymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologyparkinson 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-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE Net EU contribution € 196 707,84 Address 45, rue d'ulm 75230 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris 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 Other funding € 0,00
