Making memories in the mushroom bodies. (360G-Wellcome-096099_Z_11_Z)

£250,000

Kenyon cell (KC) output synapses in the mushroom body (MB) lobes are the postulated sites in the fly brain where aversive olfactory memories are stored as a result of reinforcing dopamine (DA) action. However, the connectivity between KCs and the relevant DA neurons of the PPL1 cluster remains to be determined. The proposed project will examine the innervation patterns of PPL1 neurons to the MB lobes. Single KCs and single PPL1 neurons will be labelled and their synaptic contacts imaged by S TED microscopy. This will shed light on the long-standing question of whether KC output synapses are tripartite structures. In a second aim, I will analyse DA modulation of synaptic weights at KC output synapses. Stimulating KCs via a patch pipette, and DA neurons by light-activated ion channels, will allow me to monitor changes in KC synaptic weights optically, using synaptopHluorin or synaptically localised calcium probes. I will next study the metaplastic regulation of KC output synaps es, i.e. the regulation of the relevant DA neurons by the neuropeptide dNPF, which is a critical factor signalling the animal's internal state of hunger. These results will resolve mechanisms underlying the motivational control of memory retrieval.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 250000
Applicant Surname Owald
Approval Committee Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowships Interview Committee
Award Date 2011-05-23T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2010/11
Grant Programme: Title Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship
Internal ID 096099/Z/11/Z
Lead Applicant Dr David Owald
Partnership Value 250000
Planned Dates: End Date 2016-10-31T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2012-11-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region South East
Sponsor(s) Prof Gero Miesenboeck