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How does our brain integrate space geometry and territory?

Neural basis to process space geometry

A team of researchers aims to understand the neural basis of people's ability to process space geometry along the sense of space ownership, utilities and social hierarchies, leading to the perception of territoriality. The team coordinated by Prof. Dr. Valery Grinevich (Central Institute of Mental Health/Germany) is composed by his group and the labs led by Angela Sirigu (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS/France), Dori Derdikman (Technion – Israel Institute of Technology/Israel), and David Omer (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem/Israel). Their common research project has now received major grants from the European Research Council (ERC), namely synergy ERC grant (10 Mio Euros for 6 years), to address this challenging multidisciplinary research problem.

ZI press release

ERC press release

Second Stem Cell Type Discovered in Mouse Brain

Heidelberg neurobiologists gain new insights into formation of nerve cells

In the brain of adult mammals neural stem cells ensure that new nerve cells, i.e. neurons, are constantly formed. This process, known as adult neurogenesis, helps mice maintain their sense of smell. A research team led by Dr Francesca Ciccolini at the Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN) of Heidelberg University recently discovered a second stem cell population in the mouse brain. This new type of stem cell, and not the one previously known, is primarily involved in the production of new neurons in the olfactory bulb of adult mice.

“Our discovery that another stem cell type exists in the mouse brain of adult animals throws new light on the processes of neuron formation” emphasises Dr Ciccolini. The human brain has similar stem cells that are involved in the formation of brain tumours. The Heidelberg researchers hope that their work will also shed new light on the development and possible treatment of such tumours. Press release

Heidelberg researchers identify molecular mechanisms that influence pain processing and sensitivity

One epigenetic factor as well as one organic anion transporter (OAT1), whose function in the nervous system was hitherto unknown, contribute to the development of chronic pain. The underlying molecular mechanism was identified by a team of researchers led by Dr Daniela Mauceri at the Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN) of Heidelberg University. Using mouse models, the researchers demonstrated that the epigenetic factor, known as HDAC4, influences the expression of genes in neuronal cells involved in the processing of pain. The Heidelberg experiments also revealed that the transporter OAT1 regulates pain sensitivity in the spinal cord. The team hopes their findings will pave the way to new approaches for the treatment of chronic pain.

The research work was conducted under the auspices of Heidelberg University’s Collaborative Research Centre 1158, 'From nociception to chronic pain: Structure-function properties of neural pathways and their reorganization', whose spokesperson is Prof. Kuner. The results of the study were published in the journal 'Nature Communications'. More....