Extracellular matrix integrity as neural resource of cognitive flexibility (A05)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Human Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 425899996

Cognitive flexibility (CFL) is a transferable cognitive ability critically depending on the prefrontal cortex. Here, we aim to assess the role of the prefrontal extracellular matrix (ECM) as a neural resource of CFL and transfer. We will perform attentional set-shifting tasks and tests for transfer to other behavioural tasks in ECM-deficient mice. In parallel, we will investigate EEG correlates of CFL during set-shifting in young and elderly humans. In mice, we expect to unravel the systemic, cellular and molecular mechanisms of CFL. In humans, we shall identify CFL-linked polymorphisms in the ECM genes and express these human ECM gene variants in mice to validate their functional relevance.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1436: Neural resources of cognition
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Project Heads: Professor Alexander Dityatev, Ph.D.; Privatdozent Dr. Björn Hendrik Schott; Professorin Dr. Constanze Seidenbecher