Dendritic integration in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. (360G-Wellcome-098400_Z_12_Z)

£982,482

The main goal of this project is to investigate the input-output function of single neurons in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), and test whether dendritic computations can contribute to information processing in these neurons, in particular in the circuit that controls aggressive behaviour. There are three initial key questions: (1) How do dendrites in VMH neurons integrate excitatory synaptic input? (2) What is the distribution of excitatory synapses from different inpu t pathways on VMH dendrites? (3) How do VMH neurons integrate information arriving from specific brain areas? These questions will be addressed in actute brain slices, using whole-cell recordings, 2-photon glutamate uncaging, and optogenetics together with calcium imaging. Specific brain regions will be targeted by stereotaxic injections, and axons and synapses visualized with genetic and immunohistochemistry methods. These experiments will be done in the ventrolateral VMH subdivision (VM Hvl), which control aggressive and sexual behaviour, and will identify the repertoire of dendritic computations of the VMHvl, as well as how they might be engaged by activation of specific projection areas. The final goal is to use immediate-early genes and viral tracing of VMH projections to target the neurons involved in aggression, and investigate dendritic information processing in this specific cell population.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 982482
Applicant Surname Branco
Approval Committee Sir Henry Dale Fellowship Interview Committee
Award Date 2012-06-11T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2011/12
Grant Programme: Title Sir Henry Dale Fellowship
Internal ID 098400/Z/12/Z
Lead Applicant Prof Tiago Branco
Partnership Name Royal Society/Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellowship
Partnership Value 982482
Planned Dates: End Date 2016-06-30T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2012-11-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region South West
Sponsor(s) Dr Michel Goedert