Objective
NMDA receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction has been identified in multiple genetic causes of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. I recently showed that loss of Mecp2, the cause of Rett syndrome and some cases of autism, differentially affects NMDAR development at cortical synapses on specific cell-types: slowing down the development in excitatory pyramidal neurons and accelerating the maturation in parvalbumin-positive (PV) inhibitory interneurons. Genetic manipulation of NMDAR expression in Mecp2-deficient mice rescued both cortical function and the premature NMDAR maturation in PV cells. Based on these findings, I hypothesize that this cell-type specific disruption of NMDAR development leads to an imbalance in excitation and inhibition in the developing cortical circuits. To test this idea, I will combine single cell genomic and cell-type specific recording techniques to elucidate how Mecp2 controls the development of synaptic receptors and the impact on network function. In Aim 1, I will use cutting-edge techniques for single-cell RNA sequencing and synaptic recordings of NMDAR maturation in cortical cultures to identify novel cell-type specific mechanisms underlying NMDAR development and the regulation by Mecp2. In Aim 2, I will investigate the functional effects of Mecp2 deficiency and altered NMDAR maturation on the development of cortical network activity using two-photon calcium imaging and multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings. As a neuroscientist and neurologist, this training will prepare me for an independent research career addressing the circuit-based defects underlying Rett syndrome and autism. I have the full support of the University of Cambridge and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute for the proposed research and my career development. This study will improve our understanding of how loss of Mecp2 alters cortical circuits and has the potential to identify novel cell-type specific targets for developing new therapies for Rett syndrome.
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.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkaline earth metals
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA transcriptomes
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
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.
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.
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
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.