Objective
The hippocampus is a deeply embedded region in the mammalian brain that has long been considered the archetypical center for memory formation. Hippocampal neurons process information by integrating a vast number of synaptic inputs via dendritic spines. These postsynaptic structures are highly dynamic and their plasticity is hypothesized to be important structural correlate of the memory trace. However, due to their nanometric size and high density, it is extremely challenging to study the function and regulation of dendritic spines under realistic experimental conditions. Indeed, conventional light microscopy fails to properly resolve them while electron microscopy only provides snapshots from fixed brain sections. Therefore, our view of spine dynamics remains very incomplete, limiting our understanding of the synaptic mechanisms underlying brain physiology and animal behavior.
Leveraging recent advances in optical microscopy, adaptive optics and mouse brain surgery, this project seeks to establish a new paradigm based on correlating super-resolution imaging of dendritic spines in living mice with behavioral analyses of the capacity of mice to learn and remember things. To this end, I will (1) establish super-resolution imaging of spines in the deeply embedded hippocampus, (2) perform longitudinal imaging to determine spine morphology and turnover over the course of weeks in live animals and (3) investigate how spine plasticity correlates with memory performance in the same animal.
This project builds on my expertise in biophysics and advanced microscopy and will offer me a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic research field at one of the top places for neuroscience in Europe. Going significantly beyond the state-of-the-art, this project will push the frontier in neuroimaging, shedding new light on the anatomical basis of memory formation and providing a framework to analyze in vivo the cellular mechanisms of memory impairment in neurodegenerative diseases.
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: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy super resolution microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biological behavioural sciences ethology
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017
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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.