-
WP1 Anatomo-functional mechanisms of neurodevelopment and social cognition
Funding: HORIZON
Description This project aims to examine the specific
contribution of ventrolateral prefrontal areas and their connected basal
ganglia sectors to action selection and guidance based on social cues. Neural
activity is recorded from these regions while monkeys have to observe social
and geometric stimuli and to perform two types of actions according to these
stimuli.
Possible applications: Improved understanding of cortico–basal ganglia interactions involved
in action guidance and motor learning may contribute to the development of more
effective interventions for movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or
dystonia, for instance by optimizing strategies for deep brain stimulation.
Furthermore, clarifying how social and non-social information is differentially
processed could yield insights into disorders characterized by impaired social
cognition, including autism spectrum conditions, though substantial
translational work would be required before clinical implementation. Finally,
evidence of plasticity within frontal and basal ganglia circuits during complex
motor learning could provide a neurobiological basis for enhancing rehabilitation
strategies after stroke or trauma, for example by strengthening the rationale
for action observation therapy.
Second line: T1.4. Plastic potentials of
the social brain
Description
This research line investigates the mechanisms of brain plasticity during the
observation and imitation of goal-directed actions in healthy individuals and patients
with neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders .
Possible applications
From a translational medicine perspective, the outcomes of this research can
guide rehabilitative interventions based on motor learning through imitation.
Potential applications include functional recovery programs for children with
cerebral palsy or other neurodevelopmental disorders, rehabilitation pathways
for upper limb recovery in adults after stroke, and strategies designed to slow
down neurodegeneration and preserve cognitive functions in patients with
dementia.
Spoke 1 : Neurodevelopment, Cognition and Social Interaction