Objective The appropriate functioning of the brain requires co-operation between its cellular constituents – neurons and glial cells. While neurons have been widely studied thanks to their electrical excitability, the glial component has been neglected for years. However, recent research has brought surprising results indicating that astrocytes (a type of glia) can actively regulate the structural and physiological properties of synapses. Unfortunately, most of the data regarding astrocyte function originates from ex vivo studies, because the complexity of the nervous system meant it was impossible to study astrocyte function in vivo with the limited technologies available at the time. It is recent advances in imaging, together with the introduction of novel, genetically modified animals, which now allow us to investigate astrocyte-synapse interactions in situ.In this multidisciplinary project, I will combine state-of-the-art genetic, biochemical and imaging techniques to study the role of astrocytes in mediating dendritic spine plasticity. First, I will develop a method that allows the flexible generation of genetically modified mice showing astrocyte-specific gene targeting. Second, using these mice I will analyze the dynamic relationship between astrocytic processes and dendritic spines in the mouse cortex in vivo, using 2-photon microscopy and a thinned-skull window. In parallel, I will perform an in vitro screen for astrocytic proteins involved in mediating physical contact with the synapse, by using unique subcellular fractionation techniques combined with mass-spectrometry. Finally, identified proteins will be knocked down with silencing RNA to study their role in astrocyte-synapse interactions in situ.This project will generate fundamental knowledge on how astrocytes influence the structure of neuronal networks in vivo. Such knowledge is essential if we are ever to successfully treat neurological conditions, such as schizophrenia, mental retardation and stroke. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologystrokenatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNAmedical and health sciencesclinical medicinepsychiatryschizophrenia Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator VIB VZW EU contribution € 235 000,00 Address SUZANNE TASSIERSTRAAT 1 9052 ZWIJNAARDE - GENT Belgium See on map Region Vlaams Gewest Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen Arr. Gent Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Rik Audenaert (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
