Molecular mechanisms regulating homeostatic changes at dendrites and dendritic spines: role of the neurovascular interface (B04)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Developmental Neurobiology
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 221828878

Molecular mechanisms coordinating physiological and morphological changes during Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity are still poorly known, and especially the contribution of non-neuronal cells. We will further characterize the paracrine modulation of circuitry development and plasticity by glia and vessels. The focus will be on the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway. Cell-specific knockout mice will be used to investigate the activation by neuronal, glial and vascular VEGF of neuronal VEGFR2 signaling and their contribution to physiological and morphological changes during homeostatic plasticity. Additionally, the consequences of dysregulated vascular Reelin/Dab1 signaling in neuronal connectivity and plasticity will also be investigated.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1080: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neural Homeostasis
• Applicant Institution: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Amparo Acker-Palmer