Periodic Reporting for period 1 - In2PrimateBrains (Intra- and Inter-Areal Communication in Primate Brain Networks)
Período documentado: 2021-03-01 hasta 2023-02-28
The brain is the most complex organ of the human body, receiving information from the environment and incorporating these into the planning and execution of the appropriate actions. However, the principles of communication between different areas of the brain to combine sensory input with motor control and executive functions remain largely unknown. In2PrimateBrains project aims to address this knowledge gap by training the next generation of researchers using cutting-edge methodologies in academic, clinical and industrial sectors to support future research in this field. Trainees will study the brain of non-human primates - the closest model to the human brain - generating important insight into local and long-range dynamics of communication down to the single neuron.
In2PrimateBrains proposes a highly competitive training-through-research program dedicated to the study of neuronal intra- and inter-areal communication in non-human primate (NHP) brains. This program will empower the next generation of researchers with best practices and cutting edge methodologies for studying complex neuronal activity from multiple brain areas and across cortical layers. Our core scientific goals are to identify common and specific bottom-up and top-down communication principles across NHP brain networks for vision, motor control and executive functions. These functions are especially well developed in primates, and we propose to study them in a brain model as close as possible to the human brain: the NHP brain. Critically, detailed insights into the local- and long-range dynamics of communication, down to the single-neuron level and at millisecond precision, necessitate invasive recording, stimulation and inactivation techniques precluding human investigations. We propose tailored research training by world-leading European researchers from the academic, clinical and industrial sectors,accompanied by a comprehensive program of network-wide training events including thematic workshops in essential research-related skills and soft-skill training sessions to ensure successful careers in public or private sectors. The direct experience and acquired expertise in state-of-the-art NHP research and technology development in different environments will drive our trainees to pursue international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral careers. In a highly competitive international environment, In2PrimateBrains will ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of primate brain research in health and disease with scientists trained by the highest scientific, methodological and ethical standards.
The In2PrimateBrains project started 1st of March 2021, and details about its progress can be found on the project’s website www.in2primatebrains.eu.
In2PrimateBrains proposes a highly competitive training-through-research program dedicated to the study of neuronal intra- and inter-areal communication in non-human primate (NHP) brains. This program will empower the next generation of researchers with best practices and cutting edge methodologies for studying complex neuronal activity from multiple brain areas and across cortical layers. Our core scientific goals are to identify common and specific bottom-up and top-down communication principles across NHP brain networks for vision, motor control and executive functions. These functions are especially well developed in primates, and we propose to study them in a brain model as close as possible to the human brain: the NHP brain. Critically, detailed insights into the local- and long-range dynamics of communication, down to the single-neuron level and at millisecond precision, necessitate invasive recording, stimulation and inactivation techniques precluding human investigations. We propose tailored research training by world-leading European researchers from the academic, clinical and industrial sectors,accompanied by a comprehensive program of network-wide training events including thematic workshops in essential research-related skills and soft-skill training sessions to ensure successful careers in public or private sectors. The direct experience and acquired expertise in state-of-the-art NHP research and technology development in different environments will drive our trainees to pursue international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral careers. In a highly competitive international environment, In2PrimateBrains will ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of primate brain research in health and disease with scientists trained by the highest scientific, methodological and ethical standards.
The In2PrimateBrains project started 1st of March 2021, and details about its progress can be found on the project’s website www.in2primatebrains.eu.
WP1 is dedicated to the implementation of the Early Stage Researcher (ESR) training programme. 2 Skill Training meetings and 1 Thematic Workshop were organized. They were great opportunities for networking.
WP2, WP3 and WP4 are dedicated to research on neural interactions (communication across different brain networks for vision, motor and executive control). Many of the ESR directly involved in experimental work entailing exploration of behavioral and neuronal modulations in NHP have spent part of their time up to now on training the animals on highly advanced cognitive behavioural paradigms, to be combined with complementary experimental approaches for monitoring and interacting with neuronal activity at high temporal and spatial resolutions. They also performed data analysis on existing and newly collected data exploring "mechanisms of intra and inter-areal bottom-up and top-down neural communication in visual, motor or executive control networks“. The preliminary results are available on the consortium website.
In relation to WP5, 9 ESR already did short-term stays (secondments) and collaborations between consortium partners.
WP6 focuses on the development of common experimental and data management tools, supporting efficient sharing of experimental data and analyses within and beyond the consortium. Several tools are under development, in tight collaboration between the ESR involved in experimental, hardware and software projects. For instance, a polyimide-based neuronal signal recording probe with minimal cross-section, and an insertion mechanism that enables the experimentalist to implant in a straight trajectory to the target area. Established software tools and methods for data management and reproducible workflows in neurophysiology have been tested on data generated in the In2PrimateBrains experimental labs. A public repository for sharing information and resources supporting FAIR neuroscience was created on the data-sharing platform.
WP7 entails outreach and dissemination. Each ESR has given at least one presentation to a public audience, and most have participated in conferences (see website).
Regarding project coordination (WP8) and compliance with ethics requirements (WP9), all project deliverables were submitted and all milestones were achieved.
WP2, WP3 and WP4 are dedicated to research on neural interactions (communication across different brain networks for vision, motor and executive control). Many of the ESR directly involved in experimental work entailing exploration of behavioral and neuronal modulations in NHP have spent part of their time up to now on training the animals on highly advanced cognitive behavioural paradigms, to be combined with complementary experimental approaches for monitoring and interacting with neuronal activity at high temporal and spatial resolutions. They also performed data analysis on existing and newly collected data exploring "mechanisms of intra and inter-areal bottom-up and top-down neural communication in visual, motor or executive control networks“. The preliminary results are available on the consortium website.
In relation to WP5, 9 ESR already did short-term stays (secondments) and collaborations between consortium partners.
WP6 focuses on the development of common experimental and data management tools, supporting efficient sharing of experimental data and analyses within and beyond the consortium. Several tools are under development, in tight collaboration between the ESR involved in experimental, hardware and software projects. For instance, a polyimide-based neuronal signal recording probe with minimal cross-section, and an insertion mechanism that enables the experimentalist to implant in a straight trajectory to the target area. Established software tools and methods for data management and reproducible workflows in neurophysiology have been tested on data generated in the In2PrimateBrains experimental labs. A public repository for sharing information and resources supporting FAIR neuroscience was created on the data-sharing platform.
WP7 entails outreach and dissemination. Each ESR has given at least one presentation to a public audience, and most have participated in conferences (see website).
Regarding project coordination (WP8) and compliance with ethics requirements (WP9), all project deliverables were submitted and all milestones were achieved.
In this program, ESRs have access to cutting-edge methodologies for recording, interfering with and analysing high-dimensional neuronal activity in NHP brains. We provide a unique combination of “hands-on” research training in the labs, cross-sectorial workshops and courses in the fundamental, technological and clinical domains and “transferable” skills training to prepare smooth insertion in future professional project. It will enforce sharing of technological and analysis tools and the building-up of common databases.
Many young and experienced researchers in NHPs from inside and outside the network benefitted through their participation in the network events, and this impact will continuously grow on the European and International research areas through the upcoming events.
At the societal level, In2PrimateBrains provides a better understanding of brain network communication and will reveal the specialization of the NHP brain. This will help implement the transfer of knowledge from NHP to humans. The project also aims to study the dynamics and plasticity mechanisms of normal higher cognitive functions during learning and flexible decision-making from cellular to large-scale network levels, and at multiple time scales. This will help understanding the influence of controlled closed-loop neuronal feedback protocols onto these mechanisms and the implications of these findings for clinical rehabilitation and cognitive enhancement.
In2PrimateBrains will enhance the career perspectives and employability of ESRs. Basic science, clinical, engineering knowledge as well as "tool sets" of cutting edge skills will provide the flexibility required to face future scientific challenges. This will allow career paths towards the non-academic sector.
In the context of the current European concerns on animal research, this ITN offers the opportunity for ESRs to be educated to the best practice in NHP research, to share their own experience and to anticipate rather than to catch up with future progress on these issues. This approach will ensure that Europe will continue to lead the world research for the understanding of brain function in health and disease, including NHP neuroscience research performed by scientists with optimal scientific and ethical training.
Many young and experienced researchers in NHPs from inside and outside the network benefitted through their participation in the network events, and this impact will continuously grow on the European and International research areas through the upcoming events.
At the societal level, In2PrimateBrains provides a better understanding of brain network communication and will reveal the specialization of the NHP brain. This will help implement the transfer of knowledge from NHP to humans. The project also aims to study the dynamics and plasticity mechanisms of normal higher cognitive functions during learning and flexible decision-making from cellular to large-scale network levels, and at multiple time scales. This will help understanding the influence of controlled closed-loop neuronal feedback protocols onto these mechanisms and the implications of these findings for clinical rehabilitation and cognitive enhancement.
In2PrimateBrains will enhance the career perspectives and employability of ESRs. Basic science, clinical, engineering knowledge as well as "tool sets" of cutting edge skills will provide the flexibility required to face future scientific challenges. This will allow career paths towards the non-academic sector.
In the context of the current European concerns on animal research, this ITN offers the opportunity for ESRs to be educated to the best practice in NHP research, to share their own experience and to anticipate rather than to catch up with future progress on these issues. This approach will ensure that Europe will continue to lead the world research for the understanding of brain function in health and disease, including NHP neuroscience research performed by scientists with optimal scientific and ethical training.