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HEIndividual fellowship2022–2024

ANCoDy · Delineation of experience-dependent astrocyte-neuron cognitive dynamics

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2022-09-01 → 2024-08-31
EU contribution
€230,774
Participants
1
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF

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Results in brief

Delineation of experience-dependent astrocyte-neuron cognitive dynamics

ANCoDy (Astro-Neu Cognitive Dynamics) is driven by the growing recognition that astrocytes, a type of brain cell traditionally seen as "support cells," play a much more active role in brain function. While astrocytes were once believed to only provide structural support for neurons, recent research shows that they are involved in critical processes such as learning, memory, and cognitive functions. However, the exact way in which astrocytes and neurons interact to support these functions is still not fully understood. This is particularly important because abnormalities in astrocytes have been linked to major neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease. ANCoDy sets out to test the hypothesis that astrocyte-neuron interactions are shaped by experiences and these are crucial for learning and memory. I used cutting-edge genetic and imaging techniques in mice to observe how astrocytes and neuronal activity changes in the brain during learning tasks. The project focuses on three key objectives: 1. Determine the fundamental properties of astrocyte-neuron interactions that change with learning experiences. 2. Establish a causal link between astrocyte-neuron activity and learning by manipulating astrocyte activity and observing the effects on brain function and behaviour. 3. Define the role of astrocytes in computations that support learning and memory, using advanced statistical models and machine learning techniques to analyse the data. Pathway to Impact ANCoDy’s results are expected to deepen our understanding of how astrocyte-neuron interactions influence cognition, addressing a significant gap in brain research. By revealing the role of astrocytes in learning and memory, the project could inspire new therapeutic approaches for conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition, ANCoDy’s development of new computational tools will benefit the broader neuroscience community, aiding researchers in exploring brain cell interactions. Given that astrocytes make up over 50% of brain cells, understanding their role could have a profound impact on brain science and the treatment of cognitive disorders. ANCoDy aims to transform how we view brain function and open up new possibilities for therapeutic interventions.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

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 Alzheimers 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.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET · KOBENHAVNCoordinatorDenmark

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union