The role of the autophagy-endolysosome system in Purkinje cell survival and the impact of its dysfunction on brain-wide motor circuits (A02)

• Subject Area: Developmental Neurobiology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431549029

Project A02 investigates the role of the autophagy-endolysosomal system in cerebellar circuits. It aims to understand how Purkinje cell degeneration and reorganization of parallel and climbing fiber inputs triggered by AP-2 loss affect motor circuit rewiring. Project A02 explores the relationship between synaptic inputs and Purkinje cell degeneration, using chemogenetics and in vivo calcium imaging to bridge the gap between cellular changes and motor deficits.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1451: Key mechanisms of motor control in health and disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Natalia Kononenko; Professorin Dr. Sabine Liebscher