Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS
Content archived on 2024-05-27

How can the cortex dynamically control information transfer in thalamus ?

Objective

In the thalamus, sensory inputs are integrated with state-dependent factors presumably via corticothalamic feedback. It is our aim to investigate the cellular and network mechanisms of this information processing. We have developed two complementary experimental strategies:
1) Using thalamic networks in vitro that preserve in vivo-like oscillations, we will combine intracellular recordings with computer-controlled stimulation of cortical and sensory afferent fibbers.
2) Introducing "hybrid" microcircuits, real thalamic neurons recorded in vitro will be connected with programmable neuromimetic model cells. This approach allows us to explore individual membrane currents of the biological and simulated thalamic cells and the properties of their synaptic, connections throughout their full dynamic range. We will examine the following working hypothesis:
1) thalamic reticular interferon's filter sensory information flow by dynamic inhibition of thalamocortical relay neurons;
2) this intrathalamic feedback inhibition is controlled by corticothalamic feedback through variable synaptic impacts on the different thalamic cell types;
3) as mechanisms for the dynamic control of synaptic strength we postulate Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity and the temporal structure of corticothalamic input. Our prediction is that a "variable gain control" of sensory information transfer by intrathalamic inhibition is imposed by a dynamic and plastic action of corticothalamic inputs.The expected impact for the applicant will be,
1) transition from the study of individual neurone membrane conductance's towards integrative approaches to study neuronal networks, and
2) participation in the development of new hybrid techniques for experimental exploration.

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.

You need to log in or register to use this function

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.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

Data not available

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.

RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)

Coordinator

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
EU contribution
No data
Address
Avenue de la Terrasse 1, Bètiment 32/33, Salle 352
91190 GIF SUR YVETTE
France

See on map

Total cost

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.

No data
My booklet 0 0