Glycobiology of synaptic pruning in a developing brain

Project description

Mechanisms of synaptic pruning in the developing brain

Neuron–microglial communication is mediated by both the formation of new synapses and the selective removal of unnecessary connections through synaptic pruning. Recent findings suggest that superfluous connections are eliminated by microglia, and 70 % of the connections in a primate cortex are lost within six months of life. Several eat-me signals in synaptic pruning have been identified, but spare-me signals limiting phagocytic elimination have not been established. Sialic acid in neuronal glycocalyx acts as a spare-me signal and prevents microglial phagocytosis through Siglec receptors, and aberrant regulation of sialic acid causes neuronal loss and embryonic lethality. The EU-funded SinGly project aims to investigate whether sialidases, glycocalyx recognising proteins, are developmentally regulated and study the role of sialic acid in synaptic pruning during neurodevelopment.

Field of science

• /natural sciences/biological sciences/biochemistry/biomolecules/proteins

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility

Topic(s)

• MSCA-IF-2019 - Individual Fellowships

Call for proposal

H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

Coordinator

VILNIAUS UNIVERSITETAS

Address

Universiteto G. 3
01513 Vilnius
Lithuania

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

EU contribution

€ 146 112