Objectif How does the neuronal network of the brain mediate its function? This fundamental question in biology is still a puzzle, despite decades of intensive work. A seemingly unsolvable obstacle when studying the brain is its enormous complexity.A powerful approach to understand our brain uses “simple” brains of animal models, in which one can genetically identify and manipulate neurons. The brain of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is widely used as an impacting model system to study how the brain functions with the advantage that the fly brain is much simpler compared to the mammalian brain. Even another one order of magnitude simpler is the brain of the Drosophila larva consisting of an estimated 10’000 neurons. We use the Drosophila larva as an excellent model to genetically dissect a comparably simple visual system. The eye of the larva consists only of two types of photoreceptor neurons: four blue-sensitive cells expressing Rhodopsin5 (Rh5) and eight green-sensitive cells expressing Rhodpsin6 (Rh6). The photoreceptors transmit the information to a small set of target neurons in the larval optic neuropil (LON). We found that only 12-15 brain interneurons connect to the LON, which can be classified in four different groups, according to location and neurotransmitter they use.The goal of this project is to dissect neuronal circuits of visual information processing: from mapping synaptic connections in the circuit to the behavioural impact of neurons. Preliminary results of my laboratory and a “step-by-step strategy” support the feasibility to reach these ambitious goals (Sprecher et al., 2011; Von Essen et al., 2011, Keene et al., 2011). Champ scientifique natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencedata processing Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) ERC-SG-LS5 - ERC Starting Grant - Neurosciences and neural disorders Appel à propositions ERC-2012-StG_20111109 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Institution d’accueil UNIVERSITE DE FRIBOURG Contribution de l’UE € 1 491 873,00 Adresse AVENUE DE L EUROPE 20 1700 Fribourg Suisse Voir sur la carte Région Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Espace Mittelland Fribourg / Freiburg Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Monique Bersier (Mrs.) Chercheur principal Simon Sprecher (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire UNIVERSITE DE FRIBOURG Suisse Contribution de l’UE € 1 491 873,00 Adresse AVENUE DE L EUROPE 20 1700 Fribourg Voir sur la carte Région Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Espace Mittelland Fribourg / Freiburg Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Monique Bersier (Mrs.) Chercheur principal Simon Sprecher (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée