The cutting-edge optophysiological techniques are employed to understand the functional organization of inhibitory circuits in the hippocampus
Information processing within neural networks is determined by a dynamic partnership between principal neurons and local circuit inhibitory interneurons. GABAergic interneurons represent the dominant inhibitory cell type throughout the mammalian central nervous system, which regulate all stages of information processing, from synaptic integration and spike generation to large-scale network activity. However, it remains largely unknown what mechanisms control the activity of inhibitory interneurons themselves.
In search of answer to this fundamental question, we use a combination of two-photon laser scanning microscopy, whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology, pharmacology, immunohistochemistry, neuroanatomy and genetic approaches in brain slices from mice. An emphasis is placed on the examining of the inhibitory control of inhibitory interneurons and interneuron dendritic integration.
Current research program encompasses two themes:
- Cellular basis of synaptic communication between inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus
- Functional biochemical compartmentalization in aspiny dendrites of inhibitory interneurons
Our laboratory is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Savoy Foundation and Canada Foundation for Innovation. We are part of the Centre of Neurophotonics and of the Axis of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience at Centre de Recherche Université Laval Robert-Giffard (CRULRG) in Québec-city.
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A novel form of burst-firing-induced long-term potentiation has been uncovered at inhibitory synapses onto CCK-positive interneurons.
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May 27 to June 6, 2012 |
Welcome to Elise Magnin, an undergraduate student who joined the lab for the research project. She is working on the role of radixin, the alpha5 GABAA receptor... |
interneurons, dendrites, spines, mossy fiber boutons, filopodias, calcium signals... |
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