Acronym
NeuroGLIA

Full Title
Molecular and cellular investigation of neuron-astroglia interactions: Understanding brain function and dysfunction

Programme
FP7-COOPERATION-HEALTH

Contract Number
202167

Abstract
Astroglial cells are now recognized as active elements in the brain that sense and integrate synaptic signals and, by releasing gliotransmitters, regulate synaptic efficacy and cerebral blood flow. Despite accrued knowledge, many fundamental aspects of neuron-astroglia partnerships remain open, or have been poorly addressed in a functional context in vivo.

For example, does astroglia heterogeneity reflect distinct functions? How do astroglial and neuronal networks interact locally and temporally? How does disruption of neuron-glia interactions contribute to brain disorders? Leading European research groups in the field have gathered in NeuroGLIA to address such questions using a multi-disciplinary approach, including transgenic astroglia-subtype specific mice, electrophysiology and high resolution laser scanning microscopy in vitro and in vivo (including awake mice).

This will enable the consortium:

  • to verify the potential of activated astroglia to signal back to neurons rapidly;
  • to define the spatial-temporal dynamics of neuron astroglia reciprocal signalling;
  • to clarify the specific function of different astroglial subtypes in modulation of neuronal excitability
  • and transmission, and in the control of neurovascular coupling.

Duration
36 months (01/01/2008 – 30/06/2012)

Project Funding
2,988,450.00  €

Coordinator
University Clinic Bonn 
Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty 
Prof. Christian Steinhäuser
Phone: +49 228  2871 4669
Email

Partners

  • Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Germany (Prof. Christian Steinhäuser, Dr. Martin Theis)
  • Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas, Spain
    Instituto Cajal (Dr. Alfonso Araque)
  • Cardiff University, United Kingdom (Prof. Vincenzo Crunelli)
  • Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Italy (Dr. Giorgio Carmignoto)
  • Max Planck Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V., Germany
    (01/01/2008 - 30/06/2010), Universität des Saarlandes (01/07/2010 - 30/06/2012)
    (Prof. Frank Kirchhoff)
  • University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Academic Medical Centre (Dr. Eleonora Aronica)
  • European Research and Project Office GmbH, Germany (Claudia Giehl)

Contact at Eurice
Claudia Giehl
Senior Programme Manager
Phone: +49 681 9592 3378
Email

Project Website
www.neuroglia.eu