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Astroscope

Motivation

We depend on all our senses to form a coherent interpretation of our surroundings. Multisensory processing is essential for our daily survival and shapes how we respond to the world around us. This process is altered in various neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. However, the precise mechanisms by which our brain orchestrates this symphony of senses remain largely unknown. Unravelling how various brain cell types contribute to this integration, will enhance our understanding of how the brain combines information from diverse sources and will give us insights in brain functioning in both physiological and pathological conditions.

Goal

Astroscope aims to explore the role of astrocytes, a star-shaped cell in the brain, in multisensory integration. Traditionally viewed as support cells, recent studies suggest astrocytes may actively influence neuronal activity and sensory processing. We will reveal how astrocytes, alongside neurons, contribute to multisensory perception, employing cutting-edge imaging and computational methods. This project will advance our understanding of how these cells interact with neurons to encode multisensory stimuli, shedding light on the complex processes that enable us to interpret and respond to our environment.  

Partners