2.2. 2023, Neurochemie

Laboratory name: Neurochemistry

Laboratory website

PhD project: Significance of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed by specific neuronal populations in the striatum

Striatal acetylcholine (ACh) plays a crucial role in the control of striatal behaviour, including motor control, habit formation and decision-making. ACh controls striatal microcircuits through muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors but while the role of the former is well recognized, the significance of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the control of striatal behaviour is less clear. In our recent publications, we have shown that the most common type of nAChRs, beta2-containing nAChRs, are expressed only by specific and rare populations of striatal neurons. And yet, selective deletion of these receptors leads to marked changes in mice behaviour, including social and anxiety-like behaviour.

In the follow-up project, we want to uncover mechanisms underlying these behavioural changes. For that, we established a collaboration with the laboratory of Dr Serge Schiffmann in Brussels which has extensive experience in electrophysiological recordings in the basal ganglia. Together, we will investigate functional changes in specific neuronal populations in the striatum induced by the deletion of beta2-nAChRs. In addition to the electrophysiological experiments in vitro, we will use fibre photometry, behavioural analysis, immunofluorescence, fluorescence in situ hybridization and other techniques to uncover the functional role of nAChRs expressed by individual populations of neurons in the mouse striatum.    

References:

Abbondanza A, Ribeiro Bas I, Modrak M, Capek M, Minich J, Tyshkevich A, Naser S, Rangotis R, Houdek P, Sumova A, Dumas S, Bernard V, Janickova H.: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed by striatal interneurons inhibit striatal activity and control striatal-dependent behaviors. J Neurosci. 2022, 42: 2786-2803.

Supervisor (email): Helena Janickova, MD, PhD (helena.janickova@fgu.cas.cz)

Candidate’s profile (requirements): We are looking for a self-motivated candidate with a master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, medicine or related fields. The successful candidate is supposed to spend a significant time of his/her PhD studies in collaborating laboratory(ies) in Belgium and France. Therefore, the willingness to travel and fluency in English is essential.