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Projekt Druckansicht

Regulation der extrazellulären Matrix durch Dopamin während des Lernens im erwachsenen Alter.

Fachliche Zuordnung Molekulare Biologie und Physiologie von Nerven- und Gliazellen
Kognitive, systemische und Verhaltensneurobiologie
Förderung Förderung von 2020 bis 2024
Projektkennung Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 441274012
 
Erstellungsjahr 2025

Zusammenfassung der Projektergebnisse

A specialized form of the extracellular matrix (ECM) emerges during adolescence, stabilizing synaptic networks but limiting plasticity in the adult brain. This project investigated how dynamic ECM regulation—specifically of the proteoglycan brevican— enables plasticity during adult learning, and whether this process depends on neuromodulators like dopamine. Using acute hippocampal slices, we showed that the proteases ADAMTS-4 and -5 mediate activity-dependent cleavage of brevican shortly after synaptic stimulation. Blocking these proteases impaired the formation of new dendritic protrusions, highlighting ECM breakdown as a prerequisite for structural synaptic plasticity. To extend these insights to intact networks, we used in vivo laminar recordings in gerbils combined with ECM degradation. We found a redistribution of synaptic activity from deep to superficial layers and increased lateral integration, suggesting that ECM integrity shapes cortical input processing. Building on this, we developed a new model combining chronic laminar recordings with a reversal learning task. We found that prediction errors activated deep cortical layers—mirroring dopaminergic error signaling—while successful learning shifted activity to superficial layers with increased gamma and beta oscillations. Together, these findings establish that ECM remodeling enables adaptive cortical reorganization during learning. The project thus links molecular ECM plasticity with systems-level circuit dynamics during behavior.

Projektbezogene Publikationen (Auswahl)

 
 

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