Neural resource mediated by BDNF-dependent neuroplasticity of cortico-hippocampal interactions (A06#)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2021 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 425899996

This project investigates the hypothesis that neuronal interaction between hippocampal and neocortical brain regions can serve as a neural reserve/resource mechanism to compensate performance deficits in spatial and extinction learning resulting from malfunction in one of the two brain regions. Employing a combined in vivo and ex vivo approach in mice, we will investigate how optogenetically controlled BDNF release in either brain region (1) changes neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity within each region, (2) affects the circuit interaction between regions, and (3) is suited to recruit this hypothesised resource mechanism.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1436: Neural resources of cognition
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Volkmar Leßmann; Professor Dr. Frank W. Ohl