Critical Periods
Brain development is initially determined by distinct temporal and spatial stages of gene expression and intrinsic neuronal activity but then becomes actively refined by interactions with the environment. Historically, the term critical periods was used to describe an important stage in the life span of an organism during which a particular indispensable skill or function is acquired that may influence later development.
In CANDY, we will apply this concept to the development of neural circuits likely underpinning neurodevelopmental conditions. For example, the plasticity crucial to neural circuit development requires a very precise balance of cortical excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, which, if disordered, significantly impacts on the developing brain.
As part of the “Horizon 2020” programme, the European Commission is funding the five-year CANDY research project with a total of six million Euro under grant agreement No. 847818.