Project description DEENESFRITPL How blue spots in brainstem modulate whole-brain dynamics The locus coeruleus (LC) is a set of blue spots found in the brainstem, where the base of the brain connects to the spinal cord. Its neural cells are blue because they make and release a specific chemical signal called noradrenaline – a stress signal released when we experience fear and stress. The EU-funded LC-FMRI project will assess whole-brain responses and functional network reconfiguration. Using ultra-high field functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), it will perform an optogenetic LC stimulation in awake mice to avoid the effects of anaesthesia. The project will lay the foundation for studying how LC modulates whole-brain dynamics in health and disease using fMRI, with high potential for translation to biomedical applications. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Locus coeruleus (LC) regulates vital autonomous and cognitive functions and has recently gained interest as a clinical target in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Previous studies have investigated the effect of LC activity on small groups of neurons and on endpoint behavior. However, LC’s widespread connections and broad downstream effects make a systems-level approach imperative for comprehensively understanding LC function. In LC-FMRI, we will perform highly specific optogenetic LC stimulation in mice and assess whole-brain responses and functional network reconfiguration using ultra-high field functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). To decipher neural, astrocytic and vascular contributions to LC-induced fMRI responses, we will acquire simultaneous optical calcium recordings during fMRI. Experiments will be performed in awake mice to circumvent confounding effects of anesthesia on LC function. Finally, we will investigate how LC stimulation affects whole-brain dynamics and neurovascular coupling in the context of sensory processing. Our project will lay the foundation for studying how LC modulates whole-brain dynamics in health and disease using fMRI, with high potential for translation to human applications. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologycognitive neurosciencemedical and health sciencesclinical medicinepsychiatrynatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metalsengineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imaging Keywords opto-fMRI ultra-high resolution MRI neurovascular coupling optogenetic calcium recording Programme(s) H2020-EU.4. - SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION Main Programme Topic(s) WF-01-2018 - Widening Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-WF-2018-2020 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-WF-01-2018 Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator FUNDACAO D. ANNA DE SOMMER CHAMPALIMAUD E DR. CARLOS MONTEZ CHAMPALIMAUD Net EU contribution € 147 815,04 Address Avenida brasilia, centro de investigacao da fundacao champalimaud 1400-038 Lisboa Portugal See on map Region Continente Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Activity type Research Organisations 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
