Objective We do not yet fully understand the cellular basis of brain energy metabolism. The high energy consumption of mammalian brain sets information processing under critical metabolic constraints. Energy efficiency in brain signaling is supported by functional and metabolic interactions between neuronal and astrocytic cells. Specifically, during neuronal activity astrocytes rapidly take up neuronally-released compounds from the extracellular space, including potassium (K+) and transmitter molecules. These operations affect brain excitability and their dysfunction can increase susceptibility to seizures and eventually lead to epilepsy. Importantly, ion homeostasis in astrocytes is fueled by astrocytic glycogen, the sole cerebral energy store. The primary aim of the present project is to investigate how metabolism of glycogen in astrocytes supports and influences the different stages of neuronal activity under normal and epileptogenic conditions. I hypothesize that K+-induced glycogenolysis in astrocytes controls neuronal excitability (functional role) as well as neuronal glucose uptake (metabolic role). These ideas are supported by the recently demonstrated requirement of astrocytic glycogenolysis for the uptake of extracellular K+ obtained in cell cultures and by preliminary results that I obtained through kinetic analysis. The present project will tackle, for the first time in awake behaving mice, the characterization of activity-dependent brain glycogen metabolism by means of electrophysiological and pharmacological experiments. The outcomes will provide essential insights into the mechanisms underlying normal ion homeostasis and its impairment in epilepsy as well as other pathologies related to aberrations in brain energy metabolism. The project will have a substantial impact on my career, as new skills in invasive experimental techniques on awake animals will complement my previous expertise in non-invasive functional magnetic resonance methods on human subjects. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkali metalsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydratesnatural scienceschemical sciencesanalytical chemistrymass spectrometrynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymesnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencedata processing Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET Net EU contribution € 212 194,80 Address NORREGADE 10 1165 Kobenhavn Denmark See on map Region Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 212 194,80
