Project description
Aversive stimuli and flexible neuropeptidergic networks
The ability of the nervous system to properly respond to aversive (provoking avoidance or escape behaviours) stimuli is crucial for animal well-being and survival. In the sensory systems, persistent stimuli are coded by tonically active neural circuits, reliably conveying stimulus intensity over a long time. The EU-funded FLEXPEPNET project will employ the small oxygen-sensing circuit of C. elegans to test the hypothesis that aversive challenge recruits a network of neuropeptide signalling pathways that is established by experience and mediates acute and long-lasting behavioural responses. The project aims to provide an understanding of how tonic peptidergic circuits influence and organise habituation, learning and modus operandi of nervous systems in general.
Objective
Animal brains are wired according to a series of remarkable genetic programs that have evolved over millions of years. Much of our behavior, however, is the product of experiences that happen to us on much shorter time scales. The ability of the nervous system to properly respond to aversive stimuli is crucial for animal well-being and survival. In many vertebrate sensory systems, persistent stimuli are coded by tonically active neural circuits. As opposed to phasic sensors that adapt rapidly, tonic neurons reliably convey stimulus intensity over long time periods and are essential for cues that need to hold attention, e.g. harmful stimuli. How persistent aversive stimuli are molecularly encoded and reprogram behavior remains elusive. Our working hypothesis is that aversive challenge recruits a network of neuropeptide signaling pathways that is sculpted by experience and mediates diverse acute and long-lasting behavioral responses.
We will test this hypothesis on the small and well-described oxygen-sensing circuit of C. elegans. Because neuropeptidergic networks are notoriously complex, such a highly controlled context for pioneering research on their involvement in tonic aversive signaling is preferable. First, my team will develop tools for the in vivo reporting of neuropeptide GPCR activation, establishing SPARK in a living animal, which will allow conceptual advancements with unprecedented detail. Pertinent questions we will then address include: ‘How do cellular networks respond to changes in neuropeptidergic network activities in an aversive signaling context?’; ‘What are behavioral implications of neuropeptidergic network activity upon aversive challenge?'; and ‘Do neuropeptidergic networks contribute to cross-modality?'
We expect that on the long term, this project will impact our understanding of how tonic peptidergic circuits influence and organize habituation, learning, forgetting and modus operandi of nervous systems in general.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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
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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.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-STG
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3000 LEUVEN
Belgium
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