Objectif "The mechanisms underlying the evolution of the human brain constitute one of the most fascinating unresolved questions of biology. The cerebral cortex has evolved rapidly in size and complexity in the hominid lineage, which is likely linked to quantitative and qualitative divergence in patterns of cortical development.On the other hand, comparative genomics has revealed recently the existence of a number of ""hominid-specific"" genes, which constitute attractive candidates to underlie critical aspects of human brain evolution, but their function remains essentially unexplored, mostly because of the lack of appropriate experimental systems.Here we propose to test a simple and radical hypothesis: that key species-specific features of the development of the human cerebral cortex, in particular the generation and differentiation of pyramidal neurons, are linked functionally to the emergence of hominid-specific (HS) genes controlling corticogenesis.To achieve this high risk / high gain goal, we will first determine which HS genes are expressed in the human developing cortex in vivo, using a combination of genome-wide and in situ gene detection analyses, in order to select those most likely to impact corticogenesis.The function of candidate HS genes will be determined using innovative models of human corticogenesis based on pluripotent stem cells, developed recently in our laboratory, as well as ex vivo cultures of human fetal cortex. In addition, the developmental and evolutionary impact of HS genes will be examined in a non-hominid context, the mouse embryonic cortex.By identifying the function of hominid-specific genes in cortical developpment, we will uncover specific genetic mechanisms linking functionally the development and evolution of the human brain, with broad implications in neurobiology, developmental and evolutionary biology." Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cells 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-AG-LS5 - ERC Advanced Grant - Neurosciences and neural disorders Appel à propositions ERC-2013-ADG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Institution d’accueil VIB VZW Contribution de l’UE € 1 231 913,82 Adresse SUZANNE TASSIERSTRAAT 1 9052 ZWIJNAARDE - GENT Belgique Voir sur la carte Région Vlaams Gewest Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen Arr. Gent Type d’activité Research Organisations Chercheur principal Pierre Vanderhaeghen (Prof.) Contact administratif Rik Audenaert (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (2) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire VIB VZW Belgique Contribution de l’UE € 1 231 913,82 Adresse SUZANNE TASSIERSTRAAT 1 9052 ZWIJNAARDE - GENT Voir sur la carte Région Vlaams Gewest Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen Arr. Gent Type d’activité Research Organisations Chercheur principal Pierre Vanderhaeghen (Prof.) Contact administratif Rik Audenaert (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES Participation terminée Belgique Contribution de l’UE € 1 242 023,18 Adresse AVENUE FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT 50 1050 Bruxelles / Brussel Voir sur la carte Région Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/ Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Arr. de Bruxelles-Capitale/Arr. Brussel-Hoofdstad Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Anastasios Perimenis (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
