Role of astrocytes in the formation and remodeling of synaptic circuits
Chercheur responsable:
ROUACH NathalieDates:
18 September 2017 - 22 December 2017Date limite de candidature:
22 December 2017Period
~ Sept-Dec 2017
Project
Recent data point to a key role of astrocytes in controlling synapse formation, maturation, activity and elimination. The visual cortex is a hallmark brain region of experience-dependent developmental shaping of synaptic circuits during the critical period of enhanced plasticity that follows eyes opening. Physical removal and/or shaping of synapses implies morphological alterations, which may well be influenced by astroglial perisynaptic processes. Strikingly, we have recently shown that the gap junction protein connexin 30 (Cx30), besides forming channels, regulates synaptic transmission via an unconventional non-channel function, by preventing astrocytes to penetrate synaptic clefts.
This rotation project will determine whether astroglial Cx30, of which developmental expression coincides with the closing of the critical period, is involved in experience dependent modeling of cortical networks during development.
Contact
Collège de France - CIRB - 11, place Marcelin Berthelot 75005 Paris - +33 1 44 27 14 49 - Nathalie.rouach@college-de-france.fr