Innovating Works

MemoPlasticGenomics

Financiado
Epigenetic and transcriptional basis of memory engram plasticity
Neuroplasticity underlies learning and memory formation, which allows for accumulation of knowledge. There is an emerging view that a sparse ensemble of neurons, termed as engram cells, represent memory substrate and explain how m... Neuroplasticity underlies learning and memory formation, which allows for accumulation of knowledge. There is an emerging view that a sparse ensemble of neurons, termed as engram cells, represent memory substrate and explain how memory is formed and retrieved. Extensive studies have been carried out to reveal molecular mechanisms regulating structural and synaptic plasticity of memory engram cells. However, there are still fundamental questions remaining to be solved regarding epigenetic and transcriptional basis of recent and remote memory formation, and heterogeneous identity specification of engram cells. To address these issues, I will carry out state-of-the-art genomics/epigenomics analysis of engram cells that are permanently labelled during recent and remote fear memory consolidation. Firstly I will reveal epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms regulating active-silent state shifts of engram cells during systems memory consolidation in the hippocampus and neocortical regions. Next I will address heterogeneity of engram cells and reveal how a subset of engram cells may become functionally relevant during memory consolidation and retrieval. To particularly address the latter issue, on top of existing sequencing technologies, I will also apply a novel time machine-like retrospective whole-genome history tracing approach to obtain molecular profiles of a given timepoint in the past, and overcome the critical limitation of current snapshot-type technologies. To validate relevance of my findings, I will also carry out functional analysis including gene knocking-down and optogenetics approaches. My interdisciplinary research program will shed new light on how environmental cues, including cell-to-cell interaction mediated by neuronal activity and signalling molecules, can be integrated with intrinsic cellular states at the chromatin epigenetic level to regulate neuroplasticity underlying memory engram cell state and/or identity specification. ver más
31/07/2027
AU
1M€
Perfil tecnológico estimado
Duración del proyecto: 61 meses Fecha Inicio: 2022-06-16
Fecha Fin: 2027-07-31

Línea de financiación: concedida

El organismo HORIZON EUROPE notifico la concesión del proyecto el día 2022-06-16
Línea de financiación objetivo El proyecto se financió a través de la siguiente ayuda:
ERC-2021-STG: ERC STARTING GRANTS
Cerrada hace 3 años
Presupuesto El presupuesto total del proyecto asciende a 1M€
Líder del proyecto
AARHUS UNIVERSITET No se ha especificado una descripción o un objeto social para esta compañía.
Perfil tecnológico TRL 4-5