SynECS · Combining carbon nanotubes and gold nanorods to investigate the extracellular space around synapses during neuronal communication
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2019-01-01 → 2020-12-31
- EU contribution
- €185,076
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-RI
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Combining carbon nanotubes and gold nanorods to investigate the extracellular space around synapses during neuronal communication
The brain extracellular space (ECS) is a complex network of biomolecules that constitutes a key microenvironment for cellular communication, homeostasis, and clearance of toxic metabolites. In the brain, its spatial organization varies during sleep, development, and aging, and it is probably altered in neuropsychiatric and degenerative diseases. Although the ECS has recently emerged as key modulator of neural function, the interplay between this unique microenvironment and neuronal signalling at nanoscale temporal and spatial resolution still represent a knowledge frontier in brain research. SynECS proposed an innovative nanotechnological approach to unveil the specific biophysical characteristics of the ECS around synapses. Using the movements of carbon nanotubes in the intricate maze of the ECS channels, we managed to reconstruct super-resolved maps and local diffusivity values around identified synaptic areas. Interestingly, the nanotubes modified their diffusional rates accordingly to stimulation or inhibition of neuronal firing, suggesting that a molecular change of the local ECS around synapses was induced after application of the chemical stimuli. These results are an important step to underpin the activity of brain circuits in both physiological and pathological conditions and for a broader understanding of chemical-based neuronal communication and synaptic connectivity.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The extracellular space (ECS) is a complex network of biomolecules that constitutes a key microenvironment for cellular communication, homeostasis, and clearance of toxic metabolites. In the brain, signalling molecules, neuromodulators, and nutrients transit via the ECS, therefore mediating the communication between cells. To date, understanding the role of the ECS in modulating neuronal communication represents a knowledge frontier in brain research. This limit has conceptual and methodological roots: the complex 3-D dynamical organization of the ECS and the current lack of dedicated relevant investigation tools. The aim of this project is to combine several innovative nanotechnological approaches to reveal the morphological and rheological properties of the brain extracellular space around synapses during neuronal communication processes. To decrypt the intimate interplay between ECS and synapses in neuronal communication, this Action proposes to use innovative optical nanoimaging and nanostimulation methodologies based on nano-probes (single-wall carbon nanotubes, SWCNTs, and gold nanorods, Au NRs). Au NRs will be used to stimulate individual neurons in hippocampal cultured organotypic slices, while SWCNTs will image and unveil the rheological characteristics of the ECS around synapses. The outcomes of this project will bring us a step closer to fully understand chemical-based neural communication and synaptic connectivity.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisCoordinatorFrance
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union