Project description
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.
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 (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.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology cognitive neuroscience
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine psychiatry
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkaline earth metals
- engineering and technology medical engineering diagnostic imaging magnetic resonance imaging
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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.
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H2020-EU.4. - SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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-WF-2018-2020
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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.
1400-038 LISBOA
Portugal
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.