Objetivo Spinal cord injury (SCI) is followed by functional reorganization of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), in which the S1 area deprived of inputs is activated by sensory stimulation of surrounding intact regions. Recent data suggest that reorganization after SCI is a heterogeneous process depending on the time elapsed after injury and the cortical layer under study. This research proposal aims to study the complexity of the cortical reorganization after SCI in terms of spatial-temporal patterns and the involvement of distinct cell types as inhibitory interneurons and astrocytes. This will be achieved by monitoring and manipulating brain activity using in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology, genetically encoded calcium indicators (GCaMP6), chemogenetics (DREADDs) and transgenic mice. A mice model of thoracic SCI will be used throughout the study. First, reorganization of the hindlimb and forelimb S1 cortex at different time points after the injury will be studied by recording in vivo neuronal activity in response to sensory stimulation across all layers of S1 using a vertical multielectrode array. Second, changes in inhibitory transmission induced by SCI will be studied by monitoring intracellular Ca2+ signaling and by in vitro electrophysiology from GFP expressing GABAergic cells. Third, the role of astrocytes in the reorganization after SCI will be studied by using either Gq DREADD to enhance astrocyte activity or IP2R2-/- mice to decrease astrocyte activity while recording in vivo neuronal responses across all layers of S1. Changes in astrocyte activity after SCI will also be determined by monitoring intracellular Ca2+ signals from astrocytes expressing the calcium indicator GCaMP6. Results from this proposal will be a first in understanding the complex network of local plasticity in S1 both in control conditions and after SCI. It will be also relevant to design new therapies for SCI-associated pathologies as neuropathic pain. Ámbito científico natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metalsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathology Programa(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 Tema(s) MSCA-IF-2017 - Individual Fellowships Convocatoria de propuestas H2020-MSCA-IF-2017 Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria Régimen de financiación MSCA-IF-EF-SE - Society and Enterprise panel Coordinador FUNDACION HOSPITAL NACIONAL DE PARAPLEJICOS Aportación neta de la UEn € 170 121,60 Dirección CARRETERA DE LA PERALEDA S/N 45071 Toledo España Ver en el mapa Región Centro (ES) Castilla-La Mancha Toledo Tipo de actividad Other Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Participación en los programas de I+D de la UE Opens in new window Red de colaboración de HORIZON Opens in new window Coste total € 170 121,60