Objective
The brain’s ability to encode novel experiences and to retrieve memories from partial cues is believed to be dependent on the unique circuitry of the hippocampal cornu ammonis 3 (CA3) region. Previous research has focused almost exclusively on the connectivity and function of excitatory pyramidal neurons in subregions of CA3. The contribution of inhibitory interneurons, key regulators of network dynamics, is largely unknown. Yet, dysfunction of parvalbumin-positive interneurons has been linked to memory impairment in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, indicating their critical role for healthy cognition. This project will investigate how distinct parvalbumin-positive interneuron subtypes, basket cells (BCs) and axo-axonic cells (AACs), control CA3 computations and memory processing. Using an interdisciplinary approach, I will first employ in vitro whole-cell recordings to map synaptic input gradients of BCs and AACs along the proximodistal CA3 axis. Next, I will perform in vivo two-photon calcium imaging during a virtual reality-based behavioral task to monitor subtype-specific activity during spatial learning and recall. Finally, I will use holographic optogenetics to causally test, how individual interneurons control pyramidal cell dynamics and spatial memory representations. I hypothesize that BCs regulate activity of large pyramidal cell populations during memory formation, whereas AACs exert more selective control over subgroups of pyramidal neurons. By leveraging multiple advanced techniques and novel genetic tools, this project will provide causal evidence of how interneuron subtypes orchestrate memory computations. These findings could open new perspectives on treatment of inhibitory disruption in disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. This project will not only advance fundamental neuroscience but also lay the foundations for my independent research career at the interface of cellular, circuit, and behavioral neuroscience.
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)
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
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.