Project description
Studying how information from separate brain areas merges to induce orienting movements
Interacting with our environment involves identifying, locating and moving towards objects of interest, all of which engages multiple brain areas. However, scientists don’t yet know how this information is subsequently merged to create a unified percept. To answer this question, the EU-funded CISBOOM project aims to focus on the superior colliculus, a midbrain structure needed for orienting. Inside this structure, a neuronal subpopulation forms segregated patches that receive sensory-, motor- and attentional-related inputs. The hypothesis is that these anatomical sites can merge information from similar locations or objects, inducing orientation towards them. To test this hypothesis, the coherence of these converging inputs will be investigated. The project will shed light on how animals create a representation of space in order to execute target-oriented movements.
Objective
To interact with our environment, we identify, locate and move towards objects of interest. This recruits multiple brain areas, handling separate aspects. Indeed, perception alone engages several cortical and subcortical areas, processing specific features or sensory modalities. How this information is then merged to create a unified percept is a fundamental question, known as the binding problem. Here, we address this question by studying the superior colliculus, a midbrain area essential for orienting. Inside this structure, a neuronal subpopulation forms segregated patches, which elicit precise head rotations, and receive sensory-, motor- and attentional-related inputs. These anatomical sites seem well poised to bring together information from similar locations or objects, to induce orienting towards them. To test this hypothesis, I will probe how coherent these converging inputs are, in terms of feature tuning and receptive field coordinates. To investigate if inputs convey filtered information, I will assess the functional diversity of afferent neurons in each brain area. I will then examine whether this content varies across recipient patches, to determine whether stimuli at distinctive positions trigger head rotations. To label and record presynaptic partners, I will employ monosynaptically restricted trans-synaptic viruses, combined with two photon calcium imaging in awake mice. This project will reveal how animals create a representation of space in order to execute target-oriented movements. Because the superior colliculus is an ancient and conserved structure, this is potentially evolution’s first attempt to bind coherent processes to guide movement, animal’s main concern.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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-2019
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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.
SN2 1FL SWINDON
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.