The human brain is an extraordinary complex structure, consisting of about 80 billion neurons, connected by numerous synapses, and of an equal number of neuroglial cells. The latter, subdivided into astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, radial glia and NG2 cells, execute essential brain functions among them metabolic support, ion homeostasis and synaptic modulation. In contrast to neurons, each class of macroglia has been usually considered a largely homogeneous cell population. Recent research, however, has provided strong evidence that this picture is entirely wrong.

The primary goal of the Priority Programme is to understand glial cell specialisation and to elucidate its role in the mammalian brain. Specifically, the following questions shall be addressed:

• What defines functional heterogeneity of macroglial cells and where does it occur?
• What are the mechanisms that generate heterogeneity?
• What are the consequences of glial heterogeneity for brain function?

Termin: 31.01.2017
Adresse: DFG, Kennedyallee 40, 53175 Bonn, Dr. Jan Kunze, Tel.: 0228/885-2297, Anna Stinner, Tel.: 0228/885-2169
Kontakt: jan.kunze@dfg.de, anna.stinner@dfg.de
Weitere Informationen: Ausschreibung