GRK 2862:  Monoaminergic Neuronal Networks & Disease

• Subject Area: Neurosciences
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 492434978

The monoamines (e.g. noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin) modulate intracellular signaling cascades in virtually every cell in our body via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Malfunctions of GPCR-signaling causes a broad variety of diseases and therefore, represent one of the main drug targets for clinical application. Monoaminergic neurotransmitters within the brain modulate, in particular, the emotional, motivational and attentional state of our mind. The proposed research training group (RTG) brings together a consortium of internationally recognized neuroscientists who will train a new generation of neuroscientists in the investigation of monoaminergic control of brain function and behavior, particularly at the level of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disease models. Our methodical training will range from the development of optogenetic tools, and genetically encoded GPCR signaling sensors, as well as their application and analysis on a cellular, network and behavioral level. Based on our different expertise, ranging from sensor development through functional and systems studies of the vertebrate brain, doctoral candidates of the RTG, MoNN&Di (Monoaminergic Neuronal Networks & Disease), will acquire fundamental knowledge of, and comprehensive training in, the control, visualization and analysis of neuronal networks on different levels using state-of-the-art techniques that target monoaminergic GPCRs. The training programme and the interactions among the doctoral candidates within our different laboratories will provide our young researchers with outstanding opportunities to develop cutting-edge ideas and acquire valuable methodological skill-sets that will, in turn, guarantee highly competitive career opportunities after completion of their doctoral studies.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Stefan Herlitze
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Nadja Freund; Professor Dr. Dirk Jancke; Professorin Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan; Professorin Dr. Melanie D. Mark; Professor Dr. Huu Phuc Nguyen; Professor Dr. Andreas Reiner; Dr. Ida Siveke; Dr. Katharina Spoida; Professorin Dr. Konstanze Winklhofer