Local and expanding glial activity patterns in memory-related networks of mice (B01)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 243553651

Astrocytes modulate and support the function of synapses and are essential for neurotransmission. They communicate with neurons through intricate Ca2+ signaling pathways and respond to the neuronal activity by releasing gliotransmitters and energy substrates. In this proposal, we aim to understand the mode of cross-talk between astrocytes and neurons in vivo and elucidate mechanisms by which astrocytic Ca2+ signals modulate neural circuit functions and behavior. We will study the role of astrocytes in a well-defined layer 2/3 micro-network in the mouse barrel cortex. Layer 2/3 neurons in the barrel cortex are involved in the whisker-dependent object location and texture discrimination

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1134: Functional ensembles: cellular components, patterned activity and plasticity of co-active neurons in local networks
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Max-Planck-Institut für medizinische Forschung
• Project Head: Dr. Rolf Sprengel