Objective
Despite intensive study in the past on the problem of how information is processed in the brain to enable individual organisms to adapt to their continuously changing environment, little progress has been made on how new similar but discrete memory traces emerge in neuronal networks during learning. Current theories suggest that experience-dependent modifications in excitation-inhibition balance enable a selected group of neurons to form a new cell association during learning which represent the new memory trace. It was further proposed that particularly GABAergic inhibitory interneurons (INs) have a large impact on population activity in neuronal networks by means of their inhibitory output synapses. However, how cell associations emerge in space and time and how INs may contribute to this process is still largely unknown. This complex topic was so far difficult to address due to technical constraints. IN-Fo-Trace-DG aims to address this fundamental question in the dentate gyrus (DG), a brain structure essential for the acquisition of similar but discrete new memories. Based on our detailed knowledge on DG’s cellular elements, their interconnectivity and our recently established molecular interference tools, we will first, visualize the spatial and temporal activity patterns of cell populations during spatial learning in a virtual-reality using 2-Photon imaging. Second, we will determine the role of IN recruitment and plasticity in assembly formation by optogenetic and molecular interference. Third, we will analyze changes in excitatory and inhibitory signals in granule cells (GCs), the principal cells in this brain area, and INs during learning using whole-cell recordings in vivo. Finally, we will examine whether adult-born GCs contribute differently to learning-associated population activity compared to mature ones in the adult DG. This innovative multi-disciplinary approach will provide new insights on the mechanisms of new memory formation in cortical networks.
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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) ERC-2017-ADG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
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.
79106 Freiburg
Germany
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.