Project description
Reciprocal microglia-neuron signalling and brain physiology
According to the neuron-centred brain view, the electrical signalling of neurons defines the information code of the brain, and synapse connectivity determines circuit functions. However, the brain also contains three glial cell types: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes have essential functions in the brain. Microglia are brain-resident immune cells, defending against pathogens and providing a housekeeping function as phagocytes. The EU-funded MICRO-COPS project aims to capitalise on the hypothesis that microglia are also involved in the control of neuronal function under normal physiological conditions. The combination of mouse genetics, gene expression analysis and cell biological, electrophysiological and imaging technologies will define the microglia–neuron signalling pathways and the biological consequences of this crosstalk.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-SyG - Synergy grant
Host institution
80539 Munchen
Germany
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Beneficiaries (4)
80539 Munchen
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20251 Hamburg
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10029 6574 New York
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75654 Paris
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