Project description
Research investigates how certain neurons in the spinal cord control body movement
Precise control of movement relies on the nervous system’s ability to fine-tune signals between neurons and muscles. In the spinal cord, GABApre neurons play a key role in this process, ensuring smooth and coordinated motion. However, their function during real-life activities such as walking remains poorly understood, owing to technical challenges in studying them in action. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GabaLoco project will use advanced tools such as in vivo neural recordings during movement, genetic manipulation, and detailed kinematics. It will investigate how GABApre neurons influence motor control, muscle coordination, and whether they have specialised subgroups. Project findings could provide valuable insights into movement regulation and pave the way for innovative treatments for motor disorders.
Objective
"Presynaptic modulation is a cornerstone of neural function, shaping everything from basic motor control to sensory processing and motor learning. It is a powerful mechanism that allow the fine tuning of a neuron selected target through an axonal modulation. In the spinal cord, this potent modulation is mediated by ""GABApre"" neurons. However, although widely studied ex-vivo, their function during naturalistic behaviors remains poorly understood due to technical challenges limiting in vivo access to spinal neurons. By leveraging advanced methodologies, such as in vivo electrophysiological recordings with Neuropixel probes during naturalistic locomotion, this project aims to uncover mechanisms that have so far remained elusive. Combining genetic manipulation, viral targeting, and high-resolution 3D kinematic analysis, this project will investigate the activity of GABApre neurons and their impact on motoneuron dynamics and locomotor performance across movement phases and muscle recruitment. Additionally, we will explore the recently observed dual effect of GABApre neurons and determine whether they consist of distinct subpopulations and whether they exhibit distinct context-dependent functions. By examining GABApre function during natural locomotion, this work will bridge the gap between previous non-physiological studies and the real-world relevance of presynaptic modulation, offering new insights into sensorimotor integration and adaptive motor behavior. While fundamental, this project’s discoveries will provide a crucial foundation for the design of innovative therapeutic approaches.
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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.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
75794 Paris
France
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.