Mobilising cognitive resource through orexinergic modulation of hippocampal circuits (A07)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 425899996

We explore the potential of the wake-promoting neuropeptide orexin in mobilising cognitive resource. In the first funding period have identified supramammillary nucleus relay neurons connecting the prefrontal cortex and the dentate gyrus (DG), as well as mossy cells in the hilus of the DG, as prime targets of orexin inputs. We now aim to determine the mechanisms involved in orexinergic modulation of these circuitry components, examine the state-specific activation of cognitive resources by orexin and its interaction with ageing and explore its translational potential together with human research projects.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1436: Neural resources of cognition
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Anne Albrecht; Professor Dr. Oliver Stork