Microglia-mediated regulation of striatal neuronal activity and motor control – mechanisms and functions (A08*)

• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431549029

Project A08 studies how locomotor behavior is modulated by microglia-induced regulation of dopamine signaling. We aim to unravel how microglia-mediated regulation of dopamine signaling in striatal medium spiny neurons modulates locomotion, reward-based learning, and addiction-driven changes in motor activity. Project A08 combines MERFISH, extra- and intracellular electrophysiological recordings and calcium imaging in transgenic behaving mice. We aim to understand the modulatory role of microglia in shaping motor actions in physiological and pathological conditions.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1451: Key mechanisms of motor control in health and disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Tatiana Korotkova; Professorin Dr. Anne Schaefer; Dr. Sabine Vay