Summary
In the brain, cells called astrocytes are as abundant as neurons, but are much less understood. Over the recent years, we have begun to appreciate how closely astrocytes support the development and function of synapses, the proposed substrate of memory. One emerging function of astrocytes is their direct involvement in learning and long-term memory. Indeed, astrocytic activity is affected in major brain disorders that affect memory, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The overarching aim of this fellowship is to study how astrocyte-neuron coordinated activity relates to learning and memory.
I propose that astrocyte-neuron activity dynamics are shaped by learning over days to support memory formation.
To test this hypothesis, I will use state-of-the-art microscopy and genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, both available in the host laboratory, to record the activity of large numbers of neurons and astrocytes while mice are trained in a perceptual learning task over days. In this way, I will be able to see how neurons and astrocytes change their activity in response to learning. I will then manipulate the activity of astrocytes using clever genetic tools and light, while the mice are being trained, and monitor the effects of this manipulation on the activity of neurons and memory performance. This step will allow me to establish causal links between astrocyte activity and memory. Finally, I will use modern statistical learning techniques to explore the contribution of astrocytes and astrocyte-neuron interactions to the computational capacity of the brain.
This proposal capitalizes on my strong expertise in rodent behaviour and data analysis, my knowledge and strong interest on how experience shapes brain activity, and the established microscopy and genetic techniques in the host laboratory. Overall, this project will allow me to acquire new skills and knowledge in microscopy and astrocyte biology, and generate testable hypotheses for my future research.
The overarching aim of this fellowship is to study how astrocyte-neuron coordinated activity relates to learning and memory.
I propose that astrocyte-neuron activity dynamics are shaped by learning over days to support memory formation.
To test this hypothesis, I will use state-of-the-art microscopy and genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, both available in the host laboratory, to record the activity of large numbers of neurons and astrocytes while mice are trained in a perceptual learning task over days. In this way, I will be able to see how neurons and astrocytes change their activity in response to learning. I will then manipulate the activity of astrocytes using clever genetic tools and light, while the mice are being trained, and monitor the effects of this manipulation on the activity of neurons and memory performance. This step will allow me to establish causal links between astrocyte activity and memory. Finally, I will use modern statistical learning techniques to explore the contribution of astrocytes and astrocyte-neuron interactions to the computational capacity of the brain.
This proposal capitalizes on my strong expertise in rodent behaviour and data analysis, my knowledge and strong interest on how experience shapes brain activity, and the established microscopy and genetic techniques in the host laboratory. Overall, this project will allow me to acquire new skills and knowledge in microscopy and astrocyte biology, and generate testable hypotheses for my future research.
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More information & hyperlinks
| Web resources: | https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101064009 |
| Start date: | 01-09-2022 |
| End date: | 31-08-2024 |
| Total budget - Public funding: | - 230 774,00 Euro |
Cordis data
Original description
In the brain, cells called astrocytes are as abundant as neurons, but are much less understood. Over the recent years, we have begun to appreciate how closely astrocytes support the development and function of synapses, the proposed substrate of memory. One emerging function of astrocytes is their direct involvement in learning and long-term memory. Indeed, astrocytic activity is affected in major brain disorders that affect memory, such as Alzheimer’s disease.The overarching aim of this fellowship is to study how astrocyte-neuron coordinated activity relates to learning and memory.
I propose that astrocyte-neuron activity dynamics are shaped by learning over days to support memory formation.
To test this hypothesis, I will use state-of-the-art microscopy and genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, both available in the host laboratory, to record the activity of large numbers of neurons and astrocytes while mice are trained in a perceptual learning task over days. In this way, I will be able to see how neurons and astrocytes change their activity in response to learning. I will then manipulate the activity of astrocytes using clever genetic tools and light, while the mice are being trained, and monitor the effects of this manipulation on the activity of neurons and memory performance. This step will allow me to establish causal links between astrocyte activity and memory. Finally, I will use modern statistical learning techniques to explore the contribution of astrocytes and astrocyte-neuron interactions to the computational capacity of the brain.
This proposal capitalizes on my strong expertise in rodent behaviour and data analysis, my knowledge and strong interest on how experience shapes brain activity, and the established microscopy and genetic techniques in the host laboratory. Overall, this project will allow me to acquire new skills and knowledge in microscopy and astrocyte biology, and generate testable hypotheses for my future research.
Status
SIGNEDCall topic
HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01-01Update Date
09-02-2023
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