The role of mechanics for neuronal ‘plasticity’ (C02)

• Subject Area: Animal Physiology and Biochemistry
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 460333672

Project C02 aims to elucidate a hitherto unknown link between the perineuronal ECM, brain mechanics and synaptic ‘plasticity’. C02 will analyse the effect of enzymatic ECM removal on the mechanical properties of brain tissue using atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation and Brillouin microscopy (BM). We will culture neurons in artificial ECM with variable mechanical properties and assess structural ‘plasticity’ by monitoring dynamics and morphology of dendritic spines. Finally, we will transiently increase the density (hence, mechanical properties) of the ECM of living neurons by optogenetic means and test the effect of this manipulation on structural synaptic ‘plasticity’.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1540: Exploring Brain Mechanics (EBM): Understanding, engineering and exploiting mechanical properties and signals in central nervous system development, physiology and pathology
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Head: Dr. Renato Frischknecht