Objective
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate neuronal synaptic transmission and modulation. They contribute to higher brain functions such as cognition and reward and are important drug targets. Recent studies have revealed that these acetylcholine-gated ion channels display an unanticipated conformational plasticity, adopting multiple allosteric states that shape the time course of their electrophysiological response. To date, a single nAChR structure has been solved at high resolution, and our understanding of the conformational transitions remains so far elusive.
To address this challenge, we propose to develop a top-down approach starting from the study of the conformational transitions of nAChRs functionally expressed in cells, and then dissecting the molecular mechanisms on purified proteins. In WP1, we will develop an innovative fluorescence quenching approach to follow the protein motions concomitant with channel opening at the cell membrane. In WP2, we will further exploit this technique on purified proteins, to study the role/requirement of lipids, and their pharmacological crosstalk with allosteric modulators acting at the transmembrane domain. In WP3, the gained knowledge will open original routes to solve 3D structures of nAChRs, in novel conformations and in complex with allosteric modulators. The research will be centered on the major brain nAChRs, primarily the homomeric α7 and also the heteromeric α4β2 nAChRs that are major physiological players and key potential therapeutic targets.
This multidisciplinary project combines electrophysiology, fluorescence, pharmacology, membrane protein biochemistry and structural biology, together with in silico modeling, molecular dynamics and ligand docking. The results will provide fundamental insights into the allosteric mechanisms underlying both nAChR function and its modulation by allosteric modulators that hold promises in therapeutics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy
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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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
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.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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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) ERC-2017-ADG
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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.