Project description
Exploring neural circuit asymmetries through studying Drosophila
Asymmetry plays a crucial role in the organisation of the nervous system, influencing cognition and behaviour across species. In Drosophila, dorsal cluster neurons (DCNs) exhibit asymmetric axonal branching that improves navigation. Flies with more asymmetric DCNs perform better when orienting toward objects. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ExpAND project investigates the benefits of neural circuit asymmetries using a single animal model. The project studies how structural asymmetries within a neural circuit enhance physiology by promoting specific neural activity dynamics across hemispheres. This will be explored using anatomical reconstructions, functional calcium imaging in freely behaving flies, and computational modelling. By studying Drosophila, the project aims to reveal how structural asymmetries contribute to neural physiology.
Objective
Asymmetry is a fundamental principle of nervous system organization and can be seen across species in various forms, ranging from subtle differences in neuron size, synaptic connectivity, or axonal branching, to more pronounced cases where entire brain regions are lateralized to one hemisphere. These asymmetries play a critical role in cognition, species-specific behaviors, and neural circuit physiology. While studies in model organisms and human brain imaging have provided some insights into the role of asymmetry in behavior, the underlying neural and computational mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Navigational tasks, such as locating food or mates and driving a car rely on these neural asymmetries. In Drosophila, dorsal cluster neurons (DCN) exhibit asymmetric axonal branching between hemispheres and are crucial for navigation between targets. Flies with more asymmetric DCN wiring show improved performance when orienting toward an object, and inducing asymmetry in originally symmetric wiring enhances this ability. In this project, I aim to test for the first time the computational, physiological, and behavioral advantages of neural circuit asymmetries within a single animal model. I hypothesize that structural asymmetry within a circuit influences its physiology by promoting specific neural activity dynamics across hemispheres. To test this, I will combine anatomical reconstructions, functional calcium imaging in freely behaving flies, and computational modeling. My expertise in linking specific neural circuits to visually guided behaviors uniquely positions me to uncover how structural asymmetry benefits neural physiology. The rapidly advancing tools and resources in Drosophila research make DCN an ideal model for this study. Overall, this integrated approach provides a promising avenue for revealing fundamental principles of neural circuit function and the advantages of asymmetric wiring.
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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75013 Paris
France
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