Researchers Harsha Devalla and Rachel Thijssen have also been awarded an ERC Starting Grant, receiving 1.8 million euros and 1.88 million euros respectively.

Research into how neurons keep their activity in balance

Researcher Amélie Freal will further expand her research group within the Human Genetics department. She wants to study how neurons can maintain the correct balance of activity in neuronal networks. This process is of great importance for the healthy functioning of the nervous system, as disturbed homeostasis is often the basis of various neurological disorders.

The research team's specific interest lies in the Axon Initial Segment (AIS), an essential part of neurons. The AIS regulates the generation of action potentials and influences how neurons communicate with each other. Although the AIS has long been considered a static and passive structure, recent research, both from Freal's laboratory and other research groups, has shown that changes in network activity lead to plasticity of the AIS. This plasticity in turn has long-lasting effects on the excitability, the susceptibility to stimuli, of neurons.

Using advanced techniques such as super-resolution and live imaging of AIS ion channels and structural proteins, together with proteomics and electrophysiology, the mechanisms behind AIS plasticity are investigated. The goal is to understand how this process contributes to the regulation of homeostasis within neuronal networks.