Project description
Elucidation of brain networks during emotional processing
Social interactions and everyday decisions are governed by emotional memories. However, the precise mechanism by which arousal systems play a role in emotional memory processing remains to be elucidated. The EU-funded HippoFronThal project will investigate how neuronal activity in a specific part of the thalamus interacts with the hippocampal system during emotional processing. To achieve high spatio-temporal specificity, scientists will combine genetic approaches with electrophysiology and optogenetics. Considering that the malfunction of brain networks involved in emotional processing may lead to a variety of anxiety-related and other psychiatric disorders, the project's results have significant clinical implications.
Objective
Emotional memories guide our social interactions, everyday decisions, and are indispensable for survival. However, malfunction of brain networks involved in emotional processing may lead to a variety of anxiety-related and other psychiatric disorders, harmful for the individual and a burden, even a threat, to society. Emotions are associated with generalized arousal, however, it is not well understood how arousal systems play role in emotional memory processing at the network level. HippoFronThal aims to investigate the role of a specific thalamic arousal system in emotional processing. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex are the core of an evolutionary conserved distributed system for governing experience-based behavior. Previously we identified a molecularly specific neuronal population within the dorsal midline thalamus, which efficiently convey arousal to large parts of the forebrain. These neurons are uniquely connected to the hippocampal-prefrontal system, possessing a strategic position to modulate hippocampal-cortical information transfer. The specific goal of HippoFronThal is to investigate, how neuronal activity of the dorsal midline thalamus interacts with network activity of the hippocampal-prefrontal system during emotional processing. To accomplish this goal, I will utilize molecular-genetic approaches to ensure anatomical specificity, perform high throughput electrophysiological recordings with outstanding spatio-temporal resolution, apply optogenetics to cell-type specific circuit interrogation with high spatio-temporal specificity, and use ecologically relevant behavioral essays to examine thalamic involvement in innate and memory related emotional processing.
HippoFronThal will improve our understanding in how arousal circuits interact with memory circuits in the brain. These results might help clinicians to target specific neuronal population or mechanisms in order to treat anxiety-related disorders in humans.
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.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 - 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-MSCA-IF-2019
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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.
1083 BUDAPEST
Hungary
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.